Penguins’ Matt Grzelcyk ‘Motivated’ After Disappointing Bruins Season

Matt Grzelcyk signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins on the first day of free agency after eight years with the Bruins.

The former Bruins defenseman played just 63 games for Boston last season after dealing with a nagging injury that landed him on LTIR. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound left-handed defenseman tallied just career lows in goals (2) and assists (9) for 11 points last season.

“It was a pretty frustrating season,” Grzelcyk said during his first media availability with the Penguins on Thursday, per team-provided video. “It was kind of a ticky-tacky injury that kept me out. I was forced to go on LTIR so I had to miss 10 games. It was a little tough just getting back and to the speed again.

“I wouldn’t attest it all to the injury. I think I just lost a bit of confidence along the way. As a player, it can be tough to regain that mid-season. I’m just trying to put that behind me now. I’ve had a really good summer so far. I’m definitely motivated to prove myself again as a player.”

Grzelcyk’s career in a Bruins uniform has significant milestones tied to Pittsburgh, beginning with the night he was drafted.

The Bruins selected Grzelcyk in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft held at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. He made his NHL debut on Dec. 14, 2016, against the Penguins and scored his first NHL goal against Pittsburgh at TD Garden.

“It’s a full-circle moment, and just talking with people, it just kind of feels like something that was meant to be,” he said. “A nice little caveat here joining the Penguins … those are some great times, and I’m happy that I get to go back there.”

Grzelcyk added: “I’m very excited to get there, and everyone said nothing but good things. … I’m looking forward to getting there in September.”

The Penguins will give Grzelcyk the opportunity to rekindle his game. The 30-year-old could see top minutes playing alongside Kris Letang or Erik Karlsson.

“Pittsburgh is a team that’s always caught my eye. They play really fast and I feel like that sort of suits my game and how I want to play,” he said. “They transition so well. They’re really a dangerous team off the rush. They can beat you in so many different ways, and they also defend really hard. So, they’ve been a really hard team to play against ever since I’ve been in the league. And, I have admired them from afar for a really long time.”