The 2023-24 NHL season was the worst of Matt Grzelcyk’s career between injuries that left him on long-term injured reserve and not finding a groove for much of the year.
But now the defenseman, who revealed he tore his oblique in the beginning of the season, is looking forward to a fresh start after leaving the Boston Bruins in free agency for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
“It was a pretty frustrating season,” Grzelcyk told reporters last week. “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,” he continued. “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.”
Despite being from Charlestown and going to Boston University before spending eight seasons with the Bruins, Grzelcyk has a few ties to Pittsburgh. He was drafted in the city, made his debut against the Penguins and scored his first career goal against them.
“It’s a full-circle moment, and just talking with people, it just kind of feels like something that was meant to be,” Grzelcyk said.
The 30-year-old will now get a chance to bounce back and play a key role for the Penguins and help them return to the playoffs after being eliminated for two straight seasons.
