The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled Jack St. Ivany and assigned Ryan Shea to the AHL’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Twitter link).
This marks the first recall of St. Ivany’s career, coming in his second pro season. St. Ivany was originally drafted 112th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2018, though he signed his first pro deal with the Penguins in 2022 after going unsigned by Philadelphia. St. Ivany took his talents to Yale University in the year after his draft, playing two seasons in the Ivy League before transferring to Boston College for his final two years of college. Despite never being known for his high scoring, St. Ivany managed 60 points across 115 NCAA games, including a collegiate-high 24 points in his senior year. He made his jump to the AHL last season, recording eight assists, 33 penalty minutes, and a -17 in 63 games but failing to score his first professional goal. That feat had to wait until this season, where St. Ivany has managed a much more serviceable four goals, 12 points, 30 penalty minutes, and +14 in 52 games. The 24-year-old is currently riding a 10-game cold streak, though, failing to score a point since a two-goal performance on February 14th.
St. Ivany now jumps to the NHL level, where he’ll serve in a depth role that was previously maintained by Shea. The two defenders aren’t far off, both posting meager scoring totals but bringing an impact with their long reach and poised passing. The Penguins will hope St. Ivany can produce a little bit more than Shea, who has yet to record his first NHL point through 22 career games. But with the Penguins defense healthy and, for the most part, clicking – it may be a bit before St. Ivany receives his NHL debut.
“But with the Penguins defense healthy and, for the most part, clicking – it may be a bit before St. Ivany receives his NHL debut.”
Must be an autocorrect from “clunking”.
The Pens have never ever had a player so vastly underperform their contract compared to what we are getting from this Ryan Graves. Makes Jack Johnson seem like peak Ray Bourque.
You see guys in other sports who just give up once they sign a big deal and just show up to cash the paychecks, but rarely in hockey. This guy has ZERO compete level. He’s literally just there.
Horrible signing
I know I’m in the minority, but I actually think Graves will be solid next season. Sometimes it takes defenders a year to get aclimated to a new team. He didn’t just suddenly forget how to play hockey, he has a track record of being solid playing alongside star offensive defensmen.
It reminds me of how bad Paul Martin was his first year with the Penguins, and then in year two he was outstanding (I don’t expect Graves to be that good in year two, but improved).
And FINALLY on St. Ivany. I’ve been wanting him called up all season. His much more talented than what the Penguins have been running out as 6th and 7th defensmen all season. Time to give him a shot.