Penguins release former Sharks defenseman from PTO contract

On Friday, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced that they have released 26-year-old defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov from his professional tryout contract (PTO).

Knyzhov, an undrafted defenseman who previously played for the San Jose Sharks, was signed off a PTO before the start of the Penguins' training camp. To that point, he had not appeared in either of the Penguins' two preseason games.

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The reality for Knyzhov and many others on Pittsburgh's training camp roster is that they have a backlog of players competing for a few spots on the final NHL roster. This also includes the defensive logjam.

There are five defensemen who are believed to be locked for the NHL roster: Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, Marcus Pettersson, Matt Grzelcyk and Ryan Graves.

But for sixth, seventh and possibly eighth place? Guys who have been competing for those spots include Jack St. Ivany, Ryan Shea, John Ludvig, Sebastian Aho, Owen Pickering and Knyzhov.

Unfortunately, Knyzhov failed to secure a spot with the NHL club.

Related: This is what the Penguins' final roster will likely look like

As for the rest of the competition in camp? Karlsson is currently out day-to-day with an upper body injury, so there could be more room in the short term for more players to be included in the final squad. St. Ivany, Ludvig and Shea all have mutual contracts that can play a role in decision making.

St. Ivany has been paired with Ryan Graves and Marcus Pettersson, so he seems destined for a spot in the squad. As for the others, they'll likely be fighting for the final spots this weekend as they face off against the Detroit Red Wings and Ottawa Senators.

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