Ryan Graves Scouting Reports

Graves is a perfect example of a player who compliments his defensive partner.
He skates along side Kris Letang. Graves is a '2-way / Defensive D', whereas Letang is a 'Transitional D'. Letang is a play maker who is willing to lead and join the rush. Graves is the kind of player who takes stock of what his partner is doing and keeps the play in front of him / takes less risk.
If the Pens are going to make it back to playoffs this year, they will depend heavily on a player like Graves. He matches up against top lines. He's one of the first defenders rolling over the boards on the penalty-kill. The coaching staff can trust his detail off important defensive zone draws.
Watch Graves closely. His spatial awareness (head on a swivel taking stock of what's happening around him) is fantastic. He's always aware. He moves well for a big man. His long reach keeps opponents to the perimeter. He doesn't go out of his way looking for a big hit. When the timing is right he closes the gap physically. Graves rotates / fronts the play very well. He gets in shooting lanes to block shots. A defender his size is difficult to make plays 'around'
He's averaging 21:28 TOI - 18:54 ES - 0:00 PP - 2:33 PK. All of his minutes are hard minutes.

A 2-way 'D' who plays with reliable detail in all three zones, especially in his zone.
Low risk. Takes what is given. Moves the puck/outlets responsibly. Rarely joins as an extra layer offensively, but when does have the puck on his stick in the offensive zone he has shown he can beat goalies from distance on occasion. When he has a lane he isn't shy about directing pucks on net.
Playing for New Jersey in (22/23), he averaged 19:56 TOI and was deployed at ES and PK#1
Big body / not punishing / an 'in the way' bumper. Credited with 83 hits and 152 shot blocks.
Second pairing 'D' who compliments a more active / risk taking partner.