The Pittsburgh Penguins have struggled defensively over the past several seasons, conceding 1,175 goals since 2020-21, ranking 13th worst in the NHL. To address these issues, the team signed left-handed defenseman Parker Wotherspoon to a two-year, $2 million deal ahead of the 2025-26 season, hoping his two-way skills can strengthen the Penguins’ defense corps.

General manager Kyle Dubas made several moves to improve the blue line this summer, including acquiring physical defender Connor Clifton from the Buffalo Sabres. Adding Wotherspoon complements that by bringing a strong skating and puck-moving presence. This article explores Wotherspoon’s development, career path, and what he offers the Penguins as they aim to reinforce their defensive structure.

Early Development and Growth in Junior Hockey

Parker Wotherspoon’s journey toward the NHL began in the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he was selected 21st overall in the first round of the 2012 WHL Prospects Draft by the Tri-City Americans. He debuted late in the 2012-13 season, playing five games without recording any points and posting a minus-4 rating. He gained more confidence and responsibility the following year, appearing in 62 games and contributing 18 points, including 16 assists.

Over the next three seasons with the Americans, Wotherspoon steadily improved his offensive output, increasing his points totals from 42 to 56, and then to 66 in his final WHL season. His skating was noted as one of his key strengths, showing excellent acceleration and agility. According to scouting reports from Future Considerations, he was regarded as a “high-end skater” with enhanced puck skills, which helped him develop into a reliable two-way defenseman during his junior career.

Challenges and Progression Through the Pro Ranks

Wotherspoon was drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders. He signed his first NHL contract on May 2, 2016, after spending parts of his early professional career with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the American Hockey League (AHL). Over six full AHL seasons, from 2016-17 through 2021-22, he played 260 games, accumulating 17 goals and 95 points, showing clear growth in both offensive contributions and defensive responsibilities.

His NHL debut came relatively late, on December 23, 2022, with the Islanders in a game against the Florida Panthers at Long Island. Although Wotherspoon’s ice time was limited to 14 minutes and 47 seconds across 20 shifts, he impressed with his plus-5 rating over 12 NHL games that season, demonstrating his defensive reliability at the highest level. Wotherspoon then spent the next two seasons splitting time between the AHL and NHL, this time within the Boston Bruins organization. In the 2023-24 season, he played 19 games for the Providence Bruins and earned a consistent role with increased minutes, averaging over 17 minutes per game in subsequent seasons.

What Parker Wotherspoon Brings to the Penguins’ Defense

Standing 6-foot-1, Wotherspoon offers a middling size profile for a defenseman, which can be advantageous for mobility without being a physical liability. He is valued primarily for his skating ability, which provides strong transitional play and facilitates defensive zone exits. While not the fastest skater in raw speed—registering a top speed of 21.20 miles per hour last season (below the 50th percentile)—his powerful stride enables him to recover and join plays effectively.

His hockey IQ and crisp first passes set him apart as a player capable of quarterbacking the breakout, reducing turnovers, and maintaining possession. These attributes align well with the Penguins’ desire to stabilize their defensive play through possession and controlled transitions, areas that have been problematic in recent years.

The addition of Wotherspoon also creates an intriguing competition for the final left defense slot alongside Owen Pickering. Both players are pushing for roster spots, offering the Penguins options in how to shape their defensive depth. If Pickering is selected for the top-six left defense role, Wotherspoon becomes a valuable, low-risk depth player who can be assigned to the minors without significant cap implications, providing insurance against injuries or inconsistent performance.

“Parker Wotherspoon has had some pretty fascinating underlyings in his time with the Bruins. He’s a UFA on July 1. Wonder where he ends up and if someone gives him a full shot on a bottom pair. He’s a great skater, fiesty, and makes a crisp first pass. #Bruins #Isles pic.twitter.com/P2lzJO2lYv” — Dan, Hockey Analyst

The Future Outlook for Pittsburgh’s Defensive Lineup

With Wotherspoon joining a Penguins defense that has struggled to limit goals, his arrival brings cautious optimism for fans hoping to see improvement. The team placed 13th in goals against since 2020-21, trailing franchises such as the Carolina Hurricanes by a wide margin. Adding both grit through Connor Clifton and skilled puck movement through Wotherspoon addresses multiple facets of their defensive woes.

Wotherspoon’s two-way game fits the modern NHL’s demand for defensemen who can balance defensive duties with offensive support, especially through transitioning the puck and maintaining control under pressure. His developmental trajectory and professional experience suggest he can be an effective role player for the Penguins while pushing for increased responsibility.

As the 2025-26 season unfolds, observers will watch how coach Dan Muse integrates Wotherspoon into the back end. His ability to adapt to the team’s systems and compete for minutes against teammates like Pickering will determine whether he becomes a fixture on the Penguins’ defense or serves as depth insurance. Regardless, this signing reflects the organization’s dedication to shoring up its defensive unit through a blend of youth, skill, and experience.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Parker Wotherspoon good?

A. On Tuesday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman announced that Wotherspoon signed a two-year deal worth $2 million with the Penguins. He is a talented defenseman, known for his effortless skating and ability to join offensive plays. Wotherspoon can deliver accurate first passes and is reliable in defense. His puck handling is impressive, and he has potential for good offensive contributions.