Penguins rookie defenseman Owen Pickering earns promotion to top pairing

Ryan Shea probably could say he knows Pittsburgh Penguins rookie defenseman Owen Pickering better than most in the club’s locker room.

Pickering, 20, was promoted to the NHL just over a week ago, and through his first three games, had paired with Shea.

Naturally, Pickering and Shea have conversed quite a bit on and off the ice.

“He’s jelled so well and so quickly, it’s very easy to talk to him,” Shea said. “We talk about other things besides hockey. We keep it loose, and it’s been good.”

Shea also has been offering Pickering a lift to PPG Paints Arena — pro bono chauffeuring with no haggling over gas money, Shea insisted.

“It’s actually pretty funny. I’ve been picking him up for games,” Shea said. “I was close with him during preseason, played some golf with him. So I’ve known him for a while. He’s a great guy.”

Pickering, a 6-foot-5 left-handed shot chosen by the Penguins in the first round (21st overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft, was recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League on Nov. 15.

Making his NHL debut one night later vs. the San Jose Sharks, Pickering recorded an assist during his second career shift.

Through four games, he is averaging 14 minutes, 22 seconds of ice time.

Pickering joined the team amid mounting frustration as losses continue to mount.

After the Penguins’ 6-1 beatdown against Utah Hockey Club on Saturday, the team has slipped to 7-12-4.

Sidney Crosby’s 600th career goal was about the only moment worth celebrating for the Penguins.

However, coach Mike Sullivan’s lineup card, which featured Pickering next to Kris Letang on the top defensive pairing, was notable.

The contrast between Pickering, entering his fourth NHL contest, and the 37-year-old Letang, a veteran of 1,107 games, couldn’t be more stark.

Pickering appears to have the right approach for a player trying to prove himself,.

“He wants to learn so many things,” Letang said. “He asks so many questions, which is great. I think he can become a really special player. He’s got special abilities — he’s got size, speed and, as he plays more games, he’s going to get more comfortable. … I think he’s gaining confidence every single period.”

Pickering was on the ice for one of Utah’s six goals Saturday, recording a shot, two blocked shots and four hits in 12:09 on the ice.

The Penguins’ continual defensive woes could make their defensive pairings subject to continued tinkering.

However, something that seems guaranteed for Pickering is extended time on the penalty kill.

In limited action, Pickering has shot up to fifth on the Penguins with an average of 2:21 short-handed minutes per night.

That’s a continuation of how Wilkes-Barre/Scranton coach Kirk MacDonald was deploying Pickering this season.

“It’s obviously nice to be trusted and put on the (penalty kill),” Pickering said. “It’s something that, since I came into (training) camp, I’ve been really focusing on. It can be a big part of my game, and especially at Wilkes I was focusing on it a lot. … It’s nice to be put out there and I enjoy it.”

Pickering’s play has served as a small reprieve for the Penguins during their skid.

“I think he skates well, he defends well, he’s stronger than he looks and he’s 6-foot-5,” Shea said. “… The coaches like what they see.”