Dan Muse Sends Clear Warning to Penguins Veterans in First Big Move

Kyle Dubas and the Penguins officially ushered Dan Muse in as their new head coach on Tuesday.

Muse, a surprise choice, was not known to Dubas prior, but impressed in a short time through the interview process with his track record of player development and winner's resume, from Yale and the 2023 U.S. National Team World Junior gold to his most recent work running the Rangers' penalty kill.

Muse emphasized teamwork and individual growth in his first media availability on Wednesday, noting further that the coaching staff will utilize the off-season to create tailored plans for each player on the roster.

While much attention will be paid to giving opportunities to the younger players to "make their mark," Muse emphasized equally that he'll also be expecting a high level of commitment from the veteran players on the squad.

In what seemed like a no-nonsense challenge and warning, Muse announced that he will be depending a lot on the Penguins' veteran leadership next season, meaning that leadership, buy-in, and execution will not be negotiable.

He has referred to his approach as a "step-by-step process" of incrementing on each day's improvement, relationship, and habits that transfer onto the ice.

Muse would like to implement a framework of consistent two-way play based on detail, work, and structure, while maintaining the Penguins' identity as an offensive team.

Muse was insistent that relationships would be the foundation of his coaching, insisting that communication and trust must come before systems.

After that foundation has been established, the expectation will be clear: play the right way, every day.