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Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Finally Addresses the Media After a Busy Trade Deadline
Kyle Dubas had himself quite the day during the trade deadline, making multiple moves, and he finally took some time to address five key points.
Pittsburgh Penguins President/GM Kyle Dubas spoke to the media Friday after the trade deadline passed.
One of the busiest GMs, Dubas facilitated four transactions that amounted to five players (three traded away, two brought in) and five draft picks (four brought in, one traded away). And factor in Wednesday's Michael Bunting deal, and it's been a real doozy.
State of the Penguins
Following a year of building up assets and losing cap room, now it can be used to complete the roster.
They have so many draft picks that they should be able to wheel and deal some of them down the road. Free agency can also be used but with caution.
Rickard Rakell and Matt Grzelcyk
Rickard Rakell was very popular among teams, but considering his contract and how he performed, Dubas didn't feel it was in the best interest of the team to trade him. Teams "kicked the tires" on Matt Grzelcyk but nothing materialized.
"You don't just push that out the door...You have to do what's right for the Pittsburgh Penguins and for us keeping Rickard Rakell was a part of that"
- Kyle Dubas
- Kyle Dubas
Erik Karlsson's Future
Dubas did say that Karlsson was signed when the team was still in contention, which is now a window they've lost. He is, though, a great player. That was all the Dubas said on Karlsson, leaving lots of speculation going into the offseason.
Team Message
Dubas said there is a "gigantic opportunity" for short-term signed players to prove to management they are committed. He identified Conor Timmons, Connor Dewar, and Tommy Novak as the players who can make this pitch to their coaches.
"Certain standard for the team and we expect that to be upheld. Come in and play hard, train. There's a number of guys with a lot to play for"
- Kyle Dubas
- Kyle Dubas
Future Outlook
Instead of an aging core, Dubas is trying to surround key players such as Bryan Rust and Rakell in particular, with more youth. He will not be hurrying to use up all of the prospects and draft picks this off-season but rather seek out bright ones.
His goal is to give veterans an opportunity to compete once more, however, no timetable is provided.
| POLL | ||
MARS 9 | 233 ANSWERS Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Finally Addresses the Media After a Busy Trade Deadline Did Kyle Dubas have a successful trade deadline day? | ||
| Yes | 108 | 46.4 % |
| No | 125 | 53.6 % |
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