How Kyle Dubas Can Turn the Penguins Around and Bring Them Back to the Playoffs
Photo credit: NHL.com
A lot of work needs to be done this offseason if the Penguins want to return to the playoffs next season, and Kyle Dubas will definitely be a busy man.
For the first time in the Sidney Crosby era, the Pittsburgh Penguins are near last place in the NHL standings and struggling to keep pace.
They're 29-33-11 at third-worst in the Eastern Conference and guaranteed to miss the playoffs for the third time in a row.
Most franchises would go the full rebuild route here, but team president and GM Kyle Dubas is trying to retool around the old core of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang while they're still capable of playing at a very high level.
"Those guys have set the bar and what we're really looking for is that we can't just rely on them to continue to do that, especially as they continue tothey're defying aging to some extent, especially in Sid's case to a large extent. But we need to know which guys are going to be able to help to lead us through to the next stage and help build the team back into a contender."
- Kyle Dubas
- Kyle Dubas
One of the biggest concerns is the blue line. The Penguins' defense has not had the physicality and toughness to match up with the league's top teams. Acquiring more rugged, tougher defensemen should be a priority in the future.
Goaltending has also been an issue, as inconsistency in the crease has cost the team valuable points.
Though a long-term solution is needed, prospect Sergei Murashov is building a strong case for himself in the minors, and Dubas may have to provide him with a legitimate chance sooner rather than later.
He has just tied the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins franchise record for winning 11 games in a row, and he is a perfect 11-0-0.
Also, the bottom six forwards in Pittsburgh have been too sluggish and inadequate, not providing the energy and secondary offense needed for a playoff run. Adding youth and pace to the depth lines should be a top priority for Dubas.
The Penguins have a whopping 30 draft picks over the next three years
With 30 draft picks over the next three years, four of them first-rounders, Dubas is able to reshape the team's future. The 2025 NHL Draft will be key to discovering young players who can make the transition to playing-making positions in the near future.
"I think the key for us, in the plainest form, we're using the picks to acquire good players that can help the team," he said. "With draft picks, No.1 is drafting and developing good players, but also, with that many picks, I think it also positions us in a spot where if teams are for whatever reason that it happens, teams sour on guys, guys sour on their situation with the current team. There's contract issues, there's cap issues. We've tried to position ourselves in a spot where we can, between young players, roster players, draft picks, and get involved in all of those conversations."
- Kyle Dubas
- Kyle Dubas
Strategic free agency signings will also play a significant role in this restructuring.
Bringing on players who provide the Penguins' needs, whether it be toughness, speed, goaltending reliability, or a little of all three of those, may be the difference between keeping this core competitive.
If the Penguins have cash at their disposal, they should not be afraid to spend it in July.
"It's just really to try give us as many options as possible. Any chance we have to acquire younger players, whether it's in the draft or via trade or restricted free agents, we'll use that and continue to position ourselves as best we can to take advantage."
- Kyle Dubas
- Kyle Dubas
Dubas does have choices, though the road to get there has to be precise. The Penguins can't continue to waste another season, as their core players will not get any younger.
| POLL | ||
MARS 28 | 142 ANSWERS How Kyle Dubas Can Turn the Penguins Around and Bring Them Back to the Playoffs Will the Penguins return to the playoffs next season? | ||
| Yes | 91 | 64.1 % |
| No | 51 | 35.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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