Unlike my previous post on lines, what I have below will be the defensive pairs I expect when completely healthy. I will discuss who will slide in for Maatta until he returns as well, but my pairings below will be when completely healthy. I think many of you will agree with my thoughts on the following pairs, but there will be some (like with the forwards) who will probably go "Who the hell does this guy think he is?" Either way, the following are my opinions on what we will see for the Penguins defensive pairs this season.
Kris Letang and Paul Martin
Paul Martin played through last season with all kinds of injuries. He missed time with a broken leg, wrist and other ailments. That all being said, he was by far the Pens best defenseman behind Matt Niskanen. He will be a staple on the penalty kill again, and will most certainly get time on the power play as well.
I think the two will continue to work well together. Letang more offensive than Martin, but Paul is no slouch in the offensive zone. I think their games complement each other and they will be the best pairing this year.
Christian Ehrhoff and Olli Maatta
Ehrhoff will see some different partners until Maatta is healthy again, but will benefit the most from the young Finn by his side. Until then, I think you will most likely see Simon Despres skating alongside the big German. It is time to see what Despres is made of, and that means he needs a top four role. I think he would be best fit with Ehrhoff and not with the likes of Scuderi or Bortuzzo.
As for Ehrhoff himself, he has a lot to prove to the league after the last few years in Buffalo. I think he will return to his Vancouver form, regardless on who he is paired with because what is around him here in Pittsburgh. Ehrhoff rebounds greatly, mark my words.
Rob Scuderi and Robert Bortuzzo
Alongside him I think you will see the "Wrecking Ball" that is Robert Bortuzzo. He really emerged as a solid defensive defenseman last year and he is the best replacement for the recently departed Brooks Oprik. He is physical, he will fight, but he is responsible in his own zone. He will continue to learn the art of playing as a defensive defenseman from Scuderi and improved his game. Also, him and Scuds made a solid pairing in the playoffs and I think they can be what Scuds and Gill were in the 2009 playoff run.
The others: Simon Despres, Brian Dumoulin & Philip Samuelsson
We already talked a bit about Simon Despres. I think he will slot in with Ehrhoff until Maatta returns, but following that it will be interesting to see what happens. He is going to have to play incredibly well to keep Maatta out of the lineup, and more likely would displace someone like Bortuzzo over Scuderi. If he performs to the levels the management hopes, its a good problem for the Pens to have. If he doesn't, then there are fewer headaches I suppose. It is time to see what Simon Despres is, and it is only going to happen with solid minutes.
Now, Philip Samuelsson is an interesting case. He will be the seventh defenseman to start the season. He is a defensive defenseman like his father was, and he is ready for NHL experience. Injuries are going to have to happen for him to see significant playing time, but since he has to clear waivers to return to Wilkes-Barre, he will be in the Burgh full time.
Brian Dumoulin is going to be the odd man out, unfortunately. He really is a good piece, and an underrated piece. I think he is ready to play in the NHL, but the Pens have a lot of guys ahead of him. If they moved Martin or Scuderi, then he may get a chance. He may get a shot next year, but seeing as he doesn't need to clear waivers, I think he will be in Wilkes-Barre again this season.