How Dan Muse Is Building Something Different in Pittsburgh, per Penguins Players

When Dan Muse was brought on board as the Pittsburgh Penguins' head coach, he wrote about how thrilled he was about the opportunity, and early reports from players indicate that enthusiasm has translated to the locker room.

With the 2025-26 season underway, Penguins players characterize Muse as passionate, involved, and structured. Muse started contacting players and trying to get to know each player on a personal basis shortly after his hiring.

Kris Letang characterized communication as being ongoing, and Owen Pickering characterized it as not being difficult to speak with Muse in and around the rink.

Muse's work ethic is the stuff of legend, as well. Players joke about his overtime hours; some of the young players even met him at a neighborhood restaurant late one evening, still putting in time on game strategy.

That level of dedication has not gone unnoticed. Sidney Crosby has said that Muse's preparation and attention to detail impressed him from his first day on the job.

Muse's message to the Penguins organization is straightforward: the Penguins will be difficult to play against on a nightly basis, remaining in harmony on both sides of the puck and moving with speed.

Defenseman Connor Clifton put it best: with a new coach, new system, and new mix of roster, there are going to be some things that get ironed out along the way.

But the culture Muse is developing is already being bought in on top to bottom of the roster, and it's paving the way for a close team ready to grow together this year.