Elliotte Friedman Reveals Top Frontrunners for Penguins' Next Head Coach

After missing out on some of their top candidates, the Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly narrowing down the finalists to replace Mike Sullivan as their first new Head Coach in over a decade.

According to Elliotte Friedman, things aren't close to being finalized yet, but the team are now down to their final few candidates for the role that will be chosen by General Manager Kyle Dubas.

While Friedman mentions that the team are interested in Dave Quinn, DJ Smith, Jay Leach and Jay Woodcroft, it appears to be Washington Capitals assistant Mitch Love that they are highest on, as this would allow them to land a bright young coach as well as stealing an assistant from a fierce division rival.

Love, a 40-year old who once played in the Colorado Avalanche system served as the Head Coach of the Stockton Heat who turned into the Calgary Wranglers over three seasons, and in that time, he garnered immense respect for his ability to get the best out of his players.

While Love would be a first-time NHL Head Coach, the team is also looking into the experienced Smith and Woodcroft, who have coached the Senators and Oilers respectively, and with the pressure that those media markets bring, they're no doubt prepared for this type of role.

At this point in time, it's unclear what exact direction Kyle Dubas is leaning, but for now there are still plenty of intriguing options out there, and whoever they choose will have a big role to play in the future of this organization.