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Pressure Mounts on Dubas as Penguins Risk Losing Sought After Coach to Bidding War
The pressure is mounting for Penguins GM Kyle Dubas to secure the services of a new head coach, and could soon be in a bidding war with a divisional foe for their ideal candidate.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are now one of several NHL clubs with a vacancy at their head coaching position.
General manager Kyle Dubas made the decision to part ways with Mike Sullivan, who had been behind Pittsburgh's bench for nearly 10 years.
Despite leading them to consecutive Stanley Cups, they've missed the playoffs the last 3 years running and Dubas decided a change was in the best interest of the franchise.
There are several candidates who are on the coaching free agent market, among them being the University of Denver's David Carle and now-former Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet.
Tocchet, a former assistant with Pittsburgh during their Stanley Cup years, could be enticed to return to the Penguins. But they're not the only Pennsylvania team with their eyes on him.
The Philadelphia Flyers, whom Tocchet played for during his NHL career, would love to hire him; this could set off a bidding war for his services between the divisional foes, and time isn't on Pittsburgh's side per Josh Yohe of The Athletic.
I do believe Tocchet has interest in Pittsburgh. He bleeds black and gold. He loves Crosby. He loves the city.
However, Tocchet also turned down a ton of money in Vancouver. He clearly wants to coach again next season. Philadelphia, as I've reported, wants Tocchet badly. So, how long can Tocchet wait on the Penguins? The timing isn't great.
However, Tocchet also turned down a ton of money in Vancouver. He clearly wants to coach again next season. Philadelphia, as I've reported, wants Tocchet badly. So, how long can Tocchet wait on the Penguins? The timing isn't great.
Carle is also a candidate after he reportedly rejected the interest of the Chicago Blackhawks; among the other figures looking for work include Drew Bannister, Greg Cronin, Derek Lalonde, and John Tortorella.
| POLL | ||
MAI 6 | 150 ANSWERS Pressure Mounts on Dubas as Penguins Risk Losing Sought After Coach to Bidding War Who would be a better coach for the Penguins? | ||
| David Carle | 39 | 26 % |
| Rick Tocchet | 111 | 74 % |
| List of polls | ||