Pittsburgh has secured defenseman Parker Wotherspoon on a two-year contract worth an average of $1 million annually, aiming to reinforce the left side of their defensive corps. The signing was finalized during free agency, with Kyle Dubas targeting players who could immediately impact the Penguins’ blue line.
Wotherspoon Reflects on the Signing and Moving to Pittsburgh
Wotherspoon recalled the timing of the deal, saying it happened on Canada Day while he was enjoying time on the beach with friends. He felt a quick connection with the Pittsburgh organization early in discussions.
“It was Canada Day here, so I was out just on the beach with some friends. When I started talking to Pittsburgh, right from the get-go, it seemed like there was a good connection there,”
he said.
“They seemed interested. We seemed interested. We thought it’d be a good fit, with some opportunity to play.”
He emphasized his playing style and enthusiasm:
“Looking forward to getting out there. Putting on the skates, just going to work on the ice and having a good first impression… I play aggressive, play hard, try and be as physical as possible.”
Family Influence and Career Background
Parker credited his older brother Tyler as a significant influence on his path to professional hockey. Tyler, also a defenseman, was drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2011 and has appeared in 30 NHL games.
“I saw the success that he had when he was growing up and going to the Prospects game and watching him get drafted and live in the U.S. and all that stuff, and I just wanted to be like him,”
Parker shared.
“So, I started really buckling down because that was the life I knew I wanted. Then he’s always helped me along the way, giving words of encouragement… he’s always someone you can just fall back on. We have a good relationship like that.”
Wotherspoon was originally a fourth-round draft pick (112th overall) of the New York Islanders in 2015. After several years with the Islanders organization, he signed with the Boston Bruins in 2023, where his performance advanced notably.
Progression Through the 2023-24 NHL Season
During the 2023-24 season, Wotherspoon appeared in 41 NHL games, building up to a career-high 55 appearances the previous year. He averaged more than 18 minutes per game and contributed significantly on the penalty kill. His offensive output included seven points, featuring six assists and his first NHL goal, scored against elite goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Reflecting on last season, Wotherspoon said,
“I was building pretty good last year. It was kind of a tough season. Obviously, we didn’t make the playoffs or (get) where we were wanting to be. But with the extra playing time, I felt like I was growing every game, playing more and more, especially when I would get the bigger roles with the PK and stuff.”
He noted the importance of gaining experience and confidence:
“It takes a little bit to get your feet wet, for the game to slow down. I was finding that a little bit more at the end of the year, just playing more confidently as the game came. You can only get that way when you’re playing more.”
Connections Within the Penguins Organization
Although new to Pittsburgh, Wotherspoon will join teammates he already knows. He played alongside forward Justin Brazeau in Boston and shares a long-standing friendship with fellow British Columbia native Danton Heinen.
“I actually grew up working out with Heinen a little bit,”
he explained.
“We skate together every week. We actually live in the same building. I know Danton really well. We’re good buddies. So, that helps a ton, obviously. Knowing him coming into the situation is huge. Just being able to talk to him, too, about places, where to go, and things like that.”
Preparing for the Upcoming Season
With a full summer of preparation completed, Wotherspoon expressed eagerness to prove himself in Pittsburgh.
“It’s been a long offseason, so I’m just ready to get back to it now,”
he said.
The addition of Parker Wotherspoon is expected to fortify Pittsburgh’s defensive capabilities, particularly on the left side, offering the team reliable physicality and experience on special teams. His transition to the Penguins marks a significant step forward in his career and presents an opportunity to contribute to a playoff-contending roster in the coming seasons.