Graves has been scratched for five straight games, including Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

Graves lost his place in the lineup when Brett Kulak was acquired from the Oilers. However, Kulak has yet to make much of an impression, and Graves' continued presence on the NHL roster could afford him a chance to get back into action. Graves has been on the NHL roster since Nov. 4, so he'd need waivers to get back to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He's put up one goal, 19 shots on net, 31 blocked shots, 13 hits and a minus-4 rating over 17 appearances.

Graves scored a goal on three shots and blocked two shots in Saturday's 2-1 shootout loss to the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Graves needed just two games to match his goal total from 61 outings in 2024-25. The 30-year-old is up with the big club and appears to have a real chance to compete for third-pairing minutes, suiting up for both games since his Nov. 4 call-up. He's added three blocked shots and a plus-1 rating so far. Graves has topped the 25-point mark three times in his career, but his first two seasons with the Penguins saw him collect just 18 points across 131 appearances, though he can still pile up blocked shots.

Graves was called up from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Graves was called up while Owen Pickering was sent down to the minor-league team in a corresponding move. With injuries stacking up around the Penguins' roster, it appears they want to take a more veteran approach to their lineup for a while. Graves will contend for third-pairing minutes in the NHL while Pickering takes on a large role on the farm.

Graves was put on waivers Saturday for the purpose of assigning him to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

EDGE Analysis

Graves still has four seasons remaining on his six-year, $27 million contract, making it highly unlikely that another team will claim him. He also had only one goal, three assists, 39 shots on net, 73 blocked shots and 75 hits across 61 regular-season appearances with Pittsburgh in 2024-25.

Graves notched an assist and two hits in Thursday's 7-3 loss to the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

Graves has three points over his last seven appearances. The Penguins dressed seven defensemen due to injuries among the forwards Thursday, but with recalls coming Friday, look for the team to cut back to a traditional six-blueliner lineup Sunday against the Senators. Graves remains in competition with Ryan Shea and Vladislav Kolyachonok for a spot on the third pairing. Graves is at just four points with 36 shots on net, 61 hits, 68 blocked shots, 27 PIM and a minus-14 rating over 53 outings this season.

Graves scored a goal and added three hits in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

Graves has been in and out of the lineup as a healthy scratch lately, though he should played regularly until one of Pierre-Olivier Joseph (upper body) or Ryan Shea (upper body) returns. The goal Thursday was Graves' first of the season, as the 29-year-old has had trouble making any positive impact on offense. He's at two points, 32 shots on net, a minus-15 rating, 25 PIM, 52 hits and 56 blocked shots over 47 appearances.

Graves earned his first assist of the season in Thursday's 5-4 overtime win over the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

Graves needed 43 games to earn his first point in what's been an all-around awful campaign for him and the Penguins. The 29-year-old had played in nine straight games before he was scratched in Tuesday's contest against the Flyers, though he returned to the lineup in the rematch. The Penguins are carrying eight defensemen at this time, so there will be shuffling on the third pairing, meaning Graves is not a lock to be in the lineup. He has a career-worst minus-13 rating with 28 shots on net, 47 hits, 55 blocked shots and 25 PIM this season.

Graves suited up in a sixth straight game in Friday's 3-2 win over the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Graves hadn't played in that many consecutive games since December. The 29-year-old's playing-time outlook improved when the Penguins traded Marcus Pettersson to the Canucks, opening up a spot on the left side of the defense while newcomer Vincent Desharnais operates on the right side. Graves has consistently played over Ryan Shea over the last couple of weeks. For the season, Graves is still struggling -- he has yet to record a point while posting a minus-9 rating, 25 PIM, 26 shots on net, 44 hits and 48 blocked shots over 39 appearances.

Graves was scratched for the second game in a row in Tuesday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Kris Letang's return from a lower-body injury has given the Penguins a full complement of blueliners. Graves played in 10 of 13 games in December, but he may not see as much playing time as long as the team's blue line stays healthy. Graves has had a miserable 2024-25 with zero points over 31 contests while posting a minus-8 rating, 23 shots on net, 36 hits and 40 blocked shots. For now, Owen Pickering and Pierre-Olivier Joseph have the upper hand for third-pairing minutes.

Graves played for just the second time in 10 games when he suited up in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Maple Leafs.

EDGE Analysis

The Penguins have given Owen Pickering an extended look, and while Jack St. Ivany isn't in the NHL mix currently, Graves has often found himself out of the lineup lately. The 29-year-old Graves is stuck in the starting blocks on offense with zero points and 18 shots on net through 21 outings, and he's added 27 hits, 29 blocked shots and a minus-8 rating. While he was once a reliable 25-point option on the blue line, his poor defensive play and nonexistent offense has made him a non-factor in fantasy in 2024-25.