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Kyle Dubas Eyeing Familiar Name in Penguins Coaching Search, and Fans See a Pattern
Kyle Dubas has plenty of connections in hockey circles, and now, it appears he may use one of those connections to name the Pittsburgh Penguins newest Head Coach.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have had Mike Sullivan behind the bench for the past decade, experiencing plenty of success with two Stanley Cups, but after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for three straight years, the two sides parted ways after the 2024/25 campaign.
Now, the Penguins are one of several teams in the NHL looking for a new Head Coach, and while there's been plenty of names thrown into the ring for the job, a new name has now emerged.
According to Josh Yohe, Dubas may use his connection to the SOO Greyhounds to hire Drew Bannister, the former Head Coach of the St. Louis Blues, who played four seasons for the Greyhounds back between 1990 and 1994.
«Team sources said the Penguins have an interest in Drew Bannister. His recent stint behind the Blues bench lasted less than a year, but Dubas likes him.
For good measure, Bannister played for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and won the Memorial Cup there in 1993. If you know anything about Dubas, you know his connection to his hometown runs deep."
For good measure, Bannister played for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and won the Memorial Cup there in 1993. If you know anything about Dubas, you know his connection to his hometown runs deep."
After playing in 164 NHL games, Bannister retired after the 2012 season overseas, and landed his first NHL Head Coach role in 2023/24 with the St. Louis Blues, but unfortunately, he would last just 76 games behind the bench.
Following a 39-31-6 record, Bannister was fired from the role this year in favour of Jim Montgomery, but with many seeing the 51-year old as someone with a very bright future, don't be shocked to see him land one of the vacant roles, if not in Pittsburgh.
| POLL | ||
MAI 5 | 124 ANSWERS Kyle Dubas Eyeing Familiar Name in Penguins Coaching Search, and Fans See a Pattern Would Drew Bannister be a good hire for the Pittsburgh Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 42 | 33.9 % |
| No | 82 | 66.1 % |
| List of polls | ||