Latest news with #DanMuse
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
‘Don't Come In Passive': Penguins Give Scrappy Connor Clifton Marching Orders
There are six right-handed defensemen on the Pittsburgh Penguins roster, or who otherwise have hopes of playing on NHL ice this season. Coach Dan Muse has not yet begun to sort the gaggle of righties, but gave newly acquired Connor Clifton some direct advise. 'I was speaking to Dan and (he said) just how we're gonna be competitive, and it's all gonna start with work. He mentioned he wanted me to come in and try to find it right away. Don't come in all passive, but be aggressive and be who I am,' Clifton said during his first meeting with Pittsburgh media Tuesday. 'And I think that's always good to hear. I said, I'm excited for the opportunity.' Clifton, 30, and Muse have a little bit of a history. While Muse was an assistant coach at Yale, he tried to recruit Clifton, who eventually chose Quinnipiac, presumably because of the hockey. Clifton has had some struggles over the last few seasons, split between the Boston Bruins and, most recently, the Buffalo Sabres. The physical defenseman found himself a healthy scratch in Buffalo and was dealing with the mental challenges of absorbing such hits off the ice while trying to deliver them on the ice. In 73 games, Clifton didn't provide a lot of offense for Buffalo, netting just one goal and 15 assists, but he led the team by a wide margin with 208 hits. Only one other Sabres player had more than 150. However, like many players before him, Clifton was swallowed up by the malaise that has become the Buffalo NHL franchise. 'I wasn't too happy with (the situation). You know, I think I was all over my place. I wouldn't even say just last year. Really, the past two years. I think my game has kind of been at a standstill. It was a lot of mental battles along the way,' said Clifton. 'There were a couple of scratches two years ago, too. So I think my whole time in Buffalo, I feel like I kind of lost myself. Again, the change of scenery, I got that call that I'm going to be a Pittsburgh Penguin. I was really excited about the change. I want to get back to my old self, and how I play, and the impact that I have on the game.' There is little question that Clifton is a fierce defenseman. After all, in his NHL debut, he fought current Penguins assistant general manager Jason Spezza. For the record, Clifton admitted Spezza offered him a second go the second time they met, but Clifton didn't need that line on his resume. After five seasons with Boston and two with Buffalo, Clifton has played 384 games. While he has only 77 points, he has 290 penalty minutes. He has 17 professional fights, and his first scrap also has Penguins connections–it was against former Penguins winger Bobby Farnham while both were in the AHL (Clifton with Providence, Farnham with Springfield). It's despite being only 5-foot-11, 195 pounds. 'I've heard (that I'm small) plenty of times. That's kind of how I've always played, and working to get to the next level, it was always a big part of my game,' Clifton said. 'I feel like I out-competed my way to the NHL with that sort of style, and that's what's gonna keep me there.' Physicality has been a sorely lacking quality amongst Penguins defensemen over the past few … decades. Gritty defensemen have quickly stood out and become coaching favorites. For comparison, the Penguins defenseman with the most hits last season was Kris Letang, who registered a mere 120 in 74 games. Ryan Graves was second among D-men with 75. Given that context, there's good reason that Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas seemed to be genuinely excited to acquire him, even at the expense of Conor Timmins. The Penguins also received a second-round pick in the draft-day deal from Buffalo, which the Penguins used to select Peyton Kettles (39th overall). Perhaps the only thing quiet about Clifton was how he was informed of the trade. 'It was kind of funny. I was putting my daughter down for a nap. I guess the draft was going on–We didn't even have it on the TV. I didn't see Kevyn (Adams), the GM of Buffalo, he texted me, and I had a missed call when I was in my daughter's room,' Clifton recounted. 'So, she was getting a nap … and I was getting a nap too. We went to our room, and Kevin popped up. I didn't even see it. I had already missed a call. And I told my wife, I was like, 'Oh, Kevyn's calling,' and she's like, 'Oh, where are we going?' 'I answered. I had to whisper a little bit in our bathroom. And he told me it was Pittsburgh, and I was, I was pretty excited.' Of course, Clifton probably wasn't the only one taking a nap on Saturday afternoon during Day 2 of the laborious NHL Draft. But if Muse and he get their way, it will be the last time Clifton is quiet with the Penguins. The post 'Don't Come In Passive': Penguins Give Scrappy Connor Clifton Marching Orders appeared first on Pittsburgh Hockey Now.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Dan Muse opens up about his new role as Pittsburgh Penguins head coach and plans
Dan Muse opens up about his new role as Pittsburgh Penguins head coach (Image Via Twitter) Another chapter will be unfolding for the Pittsburgh Penguins under new head coach Dan Muse. Training camp looms on the horizon; Muse's arrival at the role marked resolve and vision. Offseason brings its usual distractions, but the concentration was placed on creating competitive units reflective of his coaching style. The franchise is looking to reset and move higher, so much attention is being paid to what Muse will do on the ice this season. Dan Muse ensures a diverse experience in this selection for the Pittsburgh Penguins New Penguins head coach Dan Muse joins NHL Tonight Dan Muse knows what demands professional hockey. He earned acclaim almost at every level, from NCAA coaching successes to NHL player development positions. During the 2023-24 season, Muse was an instrumental part of the New York Rangers running to the Conference Finals and winning the Presidents' Trophy. With that in his résumé, Penguins President Kyle Dubas made the calculated decision to bring Muse on board, a coach who understands veterans as well as the newer generation. Now with Muse at the helm of the Penguins, a clear tone of structure, development, and discipline is set. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The groundwork for his coaching staff is well on its way, and plans for draft and development camp are being opened for discussion. Free agency is in full gear, and with training camp around the corner, Muse has set his navigational course with clarity and commitment. Dan Muse vs. Mike Sullivan : An inaugural symbolic clash at MSG Opening night of the Penguins' campaign promises great fireworks, with Dan Muse facing his former team-New York Rangers-for the first time at Madison Square Garden on October 7. For some added emotional seasoning, Mike Sullivan, who had once been at the helm of the Penguins, now coaches the Rangers. Muse conceded that there is irony in the situation but said the bigger picture is setting the tone for a successful campaign. Not only does the match signify the beginning of a new chapter for Muse, but it is also symbolic of the passing of the torch between two respected gentlemen in coaching. Mentoring influences that shaped Dan Muse's journey Three mentors are credited by Dan Muse: Peter Laviolette, Keith Allain, and the late Red Gendron for the development of the professional approach he maintains. Each of these gentlemen presented different experiences to the aspiring coach, whether one was NHL exposure, another collegiate-type strategy, or the last from an entirely leadership-based perspective. These influences help Muse in his way and with his depth, humility, and modern insight-readiness for what the Penguins require on their ever-changing path. Also Read: Erik Karlsson trade rumors: A return to Ottawa Senators on the cards for the $92 million defensema The Advent of Muse sheds the promise of a new chapter for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Muse, with strategies, solid NHL experience, and deep mentorship roots, carries all the ingredients to revive the team's legacy. Musers are currently preparing backstage for his October debut, bringing with him promising hopes of thoughtfulness and a touch of strictness. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
CBS News
27-06-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Penguins NHL Draft tracker for Pittsburgh's 2025 picks
The Pittsburgh Penguins are slated to make 11 picks over seven rounds during the two-day 2025 NHL Draft The event is taking place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with Round 1 on Friday, followed by Rounds 2-7 on Saturday. The draft started at 7 p.m. on Friday and kicks off at noon on Saturday. The Penguins enter the 2025 draft looking for an infusion of young talent for first-year coach Dan Muse. The 42-year-old Muse comes from the New York Rangers, who hired former longtime Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan this offseason. Pittsburgh last made the playoffs in 2022 and has not won a playoff series since 2018. Track the Penguins' 2025 NHL Draft moves below. Who have the Penguins drafted so far? Pittsburgh has not yet made its first selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. In Friday's first round, the team has back-to-back picks at Nos. 11 and 12 overall. What time are the Penguins picking in the first round? The Penguins' back-to-back picks in round one could be announced around 8:30 p.m. on Friday. Last year, the San Jose Sharks had the 11th overall pick and made their selection at 8:22 p.m. The Minnesota Wild had the 12th overall pick, which was made at 8:34 p.m. Pittsburgh Penguins' remaining 2025 NHL Draft picks Round 1: 11th overall Round 1: 12th overall (from New York Islanders) Round 2: 59th overall (from Washington Capitals) Round 3: 73rd overall Round 3: 84th overall (from Minnesota Wild) Round 3: 85th overall (from Ottawa Senators) Round 4: 105th overall Round 5: 130th overall (from Chicago Blackhawks) Round 5: 148th overall (from Minnesota Wild) Round 6: 169th overall Round 7: 201st overall Who did the Pittsburgh Penguins draft last year? Pittsburgh's first-round pick last year went to the San Jose Sharks as part of the Erik Karlsson trade. The team made six selections in the 2024 NHL Draft, including selecting defenseman Harrison Brunicke of the Kamloops Blazers and forward Tanner Howe of the Regina Pats in the second round. Both were of the Western Hockey League. The Penguins' last pick in the first round came in 2023, when the team selected Braden Yager.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Penguins fill out Dan Muse's coaching staff
This article originally appeared on First-year coach Dan Muse's staff will include two assistants who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Make that three, if you include goalie coach Andy Chiodo, who Muse has decided to retain. Advertisement The other two are Nick Bonino, a bottom-six center on the Penguins' Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2016 and 2017, and Todd Nelson, a defenseman who was the team's fourth-round draft choice in 1989 and played one game with them in 1991. In addition, former NHL winger Rich Clune was hired as an assistant, while Troy Paquette was brought in as an assistant video coach. Click here to read more from Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Penguins Name Full Coaching Staff For 2025-26 Season
May 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino (13) handles the puck as Washington Capitals goalie Braden Holtby (70) defends the net in overtime of game three of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Back on Jun. 4, the Pittsburgh Penguins hired Dan Muse as the 23rd coach in franchise history. And, now, his supporting cast has been made official. On Jun. 20, the Penguins announced that they have brought on assistant coaches Todd Nelson, Nick Bonino, and Rich Clunen as well as Troy Paquette, who will be the team's assistant video coach under Madison Nikkel. Advertisement Andy Chiodo will remain on the staff as the team's goaltending coach. Nelson, 56, has been the head coach of the AHL's Hershey Bears - affiliate of the Washington Capitals - for the past three seasons and won back-to-back Calder Cups in 2023 and 2024. He has also coached the Chicago Wolves and Grand Rapids Griffins as part of his AHL resume - earning 450 total AHL wins, which is the fifth-highest mark in AHL history - and his coaching experience at the NHL level includes the now-defunct Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars, and Edmonton Oilers - which was a brief stint as head coach in 2014-15. A bonus nuggest? Nelson, a former defenseman, was drafted by the Penguins in 1989, appearing in only one NHL game with the organization. 'With over two decades of coaching experience, Todd brings a championship pedigree and a winning history that speaks for itself,' Muse said. 'He has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to get the most out of his players, most recently in Hershey, and his leadership qualities and wealth of experience will be a tremendous asset to our team as we continue to build a culture of excellence.' 'I Couldn't Be More Excited To Get Started Here': 3 Takeaways From Dan Muse's Introductory Press Conference As Penguins' Head Coach 'I Couldn't Be More Excited To Get Started Here': 3 Takeaways From Dan Muse's Introductory Press Conference As Penguins' Head Coach On Wednesday, Advertisement Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas formally introduced Dan Muse as the 23rd head coach in franchise history at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa. Bonino, 37, said publicly that he would be joining the Penguins' staff on Wednesday. He was selected in the sixth round (173rd overall) by the San Jose Sharks in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and spent parts of three seasons with Pittsburgh, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. He was part of the famous "HBK Line" - which also included Phil Kessel and Carl Hagelin - that helped lead Pittsburgh to its 2016 championship. Bonino did see a short-lived second stint in Pittsburgh during the 2022-23 season post-trade deadline, appearing in only three games due to injury. In his NHL career - primarily as a responsible, shutdown two-way centerman - Bonino registered 159 goals and 358 points in 868 games, including 27 goals and 66 points across his two full seasons in Pittsburgh. Former Penguin Set To Join Coaching Staff For 2025-26 Season Former Penguin Set To Join Coaching Staff For 2025-26 Season A few weeks after it was announced that Advertisement Dan Muse would become the 23rd head coach in Pittsburgh Penguins franchise history, it appears that a former Penguin will be joining his coaching staff as well. 'Nick's understanding of what it takes to win at the NHL level is unmatched, and his unique experience as a player who filled many different roles over the course of his career will only help him as an assistant coach,' Muse said. 'His familiarity with the Penguins organization, as well as my familiarity with him as a player, and person, made him a great fit for this role, and we're excited to welcome him to our coaching staff as he enters the next phase of his career.' An assistant for the Anaheim Ducks last season, the 37-year-old Clune was also involved with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in player development as well as with the AHL's Toronto Marlies as an assistant coach in 2023. The specific roles on the coaching staff for Nelson, Bonino, and Clune have yet to be announced. Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more! Featured image credit: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
