Defense-minded teams are increasingly relying on deeper, more versatile rosters to adapt to the modern pace of play, where speed and physical demands have raised the stakes for depth. With injuries and grueling schedules testing even the most robust lineups, clubs are prioritizing flexibility by stocking benches with players capable of stepping into multiple roles. The shift reflects broader trends in professional hockey, where resilience and adaptability have become as critical as skill. Teams now face the challenge of balancing specialization with the need for interchangeable, hardy players who can handle the rigors of today’s game.

"In today's game you're going to have to have a bigger lineup of guys that can step in with the schedule that it is nowadays and how fast the game is and injuries and whatnot," Penguins defenseman ...