Kyle Dubas Opens Up About the Penguins' Difficult Season and Reveals Future Plans

The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the verge of missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the third straight season. After an incredible 16-year playoff streak from 2006 to 2022, the team is still rebuilding under general manager Kyle Dubas.

Dubas has invested the past two seasons retooling the roster, putting a priority on draft choices, prospects, and youth. Growing pains were anticipated, but indications are that Pittsburgh is poised to turn the corner and ramp up its return to contention.

Dubas was speaking on a podcast with insiders Darren Millard and John Shannon, where he revealed that the team is in a transitional period, but that he has a good sense of what he will do this offseason.

The Penguins have two first-round selections in the 2025 NHL Draft. Their own selection is the eighth overall, but there is currently only a small point differential between them and moving to the fourth pick.

They also have the Rangers' first-rounder, which is top-13 protected and dependent on New York's final standings position.

Pittsburgh's formula emulates that of the Washington Capitals, who traded their veterans for assets, gained cap space, and then rebuilt on the back of their trades, free agency, and prospect development.

That formula is paying off, as Washington is now one of the best teams in the league. While Pittsburgh seems far from contention, they may be closer than people think.

With ample cap space, a draft pick stockpile, and skilled prospects like Rutger McGroarty, Ville Koivunen, and Owen Pickering on the verge of NHL readiness, the future is bright.

Dubas' plan is to get the team back into the playoffs before it is too late and franchise icons like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang retire.

The Penguins play their next game on Thursday against the St. Louis Blues. Puck drop is at 8 p.m. EDT at Enterprise Center.