Pittsburgh Penguins' Unexpected Resurgence Could Force a Surprising Front-Office Decision
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey News
The Penguins are defying expectations, and if this keeps up deep into the season, NHL analyst Vivek Kalia believes Kyle Dubas may be forced to buy.
At the start of November, the Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a familiar crossroads, as the team is caught between trying to contend and the pull of transition.
Their strong early-season push has revived optimism among the players, fans, and coaches, but with an aging core and a murky future, Kyle Dubas faces a massive decision as President of Hockey Operations and GM.
The question now centers around whether the Penguins chase one final run with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, or begin reshaping for the next era.
There's a compelling case for pushing forward, as Crosby, Malkin, and Kris Letang remain productive leaders who continue to elevate the younger players around them.
Buying at the deadline would not only reward them but also honor a generation that delivered three Stanley Cups to Pittsburgh over the last 15 years.
But we also need to be realistic. The Penguins remain vulnerable to age, injuries, and limited depth across the lineup. Their prospect pool has improved, but still lacks NHL-ready players.
The Penguins don't necessarily have to be full-on sellers, but rather "soft sellers"
Selling or even «soft selling» might be the smarter long-term path, where they can move veterans on expiring contracts to retool without tearing down the team in a full-on rebuild.
The most likely scenario is a balanced one, as Dubas could take a hybrid approach, where he would reward a playoff-worthy roster with small additions, but keep the flexibility if the standings start to shift.
If the surge continues, they've earned the right to compete with the big boys of the NHL, according to insider Vivek Kalia.
"If the season ended today, the Penguins would be buyers - but cautious ones. They've shown enough to deserve reinforcements. The team has earned the right to compete, and the players have proved that the core's competitive fire still burns. Adding smart, depth-oriented pieces could turn this storybook resurgence into something real."
- Vivek Kalia
- Vivek Kalia
However, if it fades, tough choices await. For now, the plan is to stay competitive, disciplined, and trust in the leadership.
As long as Crosby, Malkin, and Letang are in a Penguins uniform, Pittsburgh still has a spark worth believing in.
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