Matt Grzelcyk had a challenging 2023-24 NHL season, marked by injuries that landed him on long-term injured reserve and disrupted his rhythm for much of the year.
However, the defenseman, who disclosed a torn oblique early in the season, is optimistic about starting anew after leaving the Boston Bruins as a free agent to join the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“It was a frustrating season,” Grzelcyk admitted to reporters recently. “The injury kept me out for an extended period, forcing me onto LTIR and causing me to miss 10 games. It was tough getting back up to speed.”
“Not all of it can be blamed on the injury,” he added. “I also struggled with confidence along the way. As a player, regaining that mid-season can be difficult. But I’m putting that behind me now. I’ve had a productive summer and I’m eager to prove myself again.”
Despite his ties to Charlestown and Boston University, followed by eight seasons with the Bruins, Grzelcyk has connections to Pittsburgh. He was drafted there, made his NHL debut against the Penguins, and scored his first career goal against them.
“It feels like a full-circle moment,” Grzelcyk reflected. “Talking with people, it just seems like this move was meant to be.”
Now 30 years old, Grzelcyk looks forward to rebounding and playing a pivotal role for the Penguins, aiming to help them return to the playoffs after two consecutive seasons of absence.
