Grind: Leave Solovyov Alone

The Penguins' back-end buzz has fixated on young defenseman Nikita Solovyov, but insiders know piling on a kid adjusting to North American ice is the wrong play. Pittsburgh's development staff whispers that his skating and decision-making sharpen with reps, not criticism, especially amid a grind where every blue-liner counts. With the trade deadline looming, protecting assets like him keeps GM Kyle Dubas' options open for a real push.