Matt Grzelcyk, once a hometown hero for the Boston Bruins, is embarking on a new chapter with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Charlestown native, who lived out the dream of many Boston kids by playing for the Bruins after a stellar college career at Boston University, has signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Penguins after the Bruins opted not to retain him as an unrestricted free agent.
Grzelcyk expressed his motivation and determination to prove himself anew. “It’s tough any time you move on from a team, but I’m definitely motivated to prove myself again as a player,” he told Pittsburgh media via a Zoom conference. “I feel very motivated coming here.”
A Changing of the Guard
Grzelcyk was among nine free agents from the Bruins who hit the open market this summer, none of whom were re-signed by the team. His departure seemed inevitable as injuries plagued his recent seasons, affecting his performance and limiting his time on the ice.
“It was a ticky-tacky injury that kept me out,” Grzelcyk explained. “I was forced to go on LTIR, so I had to miss games. It was a little tough getting back and adjusting to the speed again. I lost a little bit of confidence along the way, and as a player, it can be tough to regain that midseason. I’m trying to put that behind me now.”
Aiming to Rebound
Grzelcyk’s effectiveness as a puck-moving defenseman made him a valuable asset during his early years with the Bruins. From 2018 to 2022, he averaged over 103 minutes of power play time per season, contributing an average of 6.25 points. However, his role diminished significantly over the past two seasons, with his power play time dropping to just 10:42 last season without any points.
The Penguins, who had the third-worst power play in the league last season, saw potential in Grzelcyk’s offensive capabilities. His experience and skill set could provide a much-needed boost to Pittsburgh’s special teams, even though the team already boasts star defensemen Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson.
Embracing New Opportunities
Grzelcyk is eager to learn and adapt alongside his new teammates. “Those are two really special players, and it’ll be a huge opportunity to play with them,” he said. “This is a really good opportunity. Those guys are such special players, and I want to complement them as best I can and find out exactly how they play by getting a closer look. Hopefully, I can get closer, be more hands-on with them, and pick their brains apart to see how I can best complement them.”
Looking Ahead
After a challenging period in Boston, Grzelcyk is ready to rediscover his form in Pittsburgh. His journey from a promising young player to a seasoned defenseman looking for a fresh start highlights the unpredictable nature of an NHL career. With a renewed sense of purpose, Grzelcyk is determined to make the most of his opportunity with the Penguins and prove that he can still be a significant contributor on the ice.
