Penguins Re-Sign St. Ivany and Gruden

The Penguins have re-signed defenseman Jack St. Ivany to a three-year deal with an AAV of $775K.

A right-handed shot, the rangy 6’3” 201-pounder was slated to become an RFA when his current contract expired on July 1.

Personally, I liked what I saw of St. Ivany. A lot. His 14-game stint with the black-and-gold coincided with the team’s 8-3-3 stretch run. Calm and cool, the 24-year-old rearguard displayed a knack for making the safe, smart play while teaming with fellow rookie Ryan Shea on the third defensive pair.

He also skated alongside Ryan Graves during the 4-1 victory over Carolina on March 26 that served as a springboard for our late season push. It stuck in my head that Graves played one of his more effective games that night, providing a glimmer of hope that they might make an effective pair.

I also liked the fact that St. Ivany wasn’t shy about using his frame to full advantage, sometimes forcefully, dishing out 30 hits in his 14 games. The Pens could desperately use a physical element on the blue line.

I’m not suggesting there isn’t room for improvement in his game or that he’s a finished product by any stretch.

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