Latest news with #Penguins'
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
WBS Signs Goaltender From Kazakhstan To One-Year AHL Contract
It appears the Pittsburgh Penguins' organization has gotten even deeper at the goaltending position. On Tuesday, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) Penguins - Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate - signed goaltender Maxim Pavlenko to a one-year AHL contract. Pavlenko, 22, represented Kazakhstan at the IIHF World Championship and appeared in seven games, posting an .881 save percentage behind a defense that didn't offer him much support. He has been in Russia's VHL for the past two seasons with Ryazan HC and has earned a .919 save percentage and two shutouts in that span. Advertisement The 6-foot-5, 181-pound netminder will join a goaltending prospect pool that is already pretty deep for Pittsburgh, as Joel Blomqvist, Sergei Murashov, and Filip Larsson - in addition to Taylor Gauthier if he re-signs as a restricted free agent - will already be jostling for positioning in WBS barring any major goaltending shakeup at the NHL level. Will Joel Blomqvist Be On Penguins' Opening Night Roster? Will Joel Blomqvist Be On Penguins' Opening Night Roster? Between injuries and inconsistency, the 2024-25 season was one of ups and downs for Pittsburgh Penguins goaltending prospect Joel Blomqvist. Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more! Photo/Logo Credit: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
New York Times
15-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
What I'm hearing about the Penguins' coaching search, offseason plans
STOCKHOLM — Kyle Dubas is a busy man these days. The Pittsburgh Penguins president and general manager is also Canada's GM at the ongoing World Championship in Sweden. Dubas is pulling double duty, guiding Canada in the tournament while conducting Penguins coaching interviews from Stockholm. I sense that the Penguins probably won't have a new coach until late this month for two reasons: the logistics of Dubas being in Sweden, and Dubas not entering the process with one coach in mind. He wants to take his time getting to know candidates before he makes up his mind. Advertisement One candidate to watch is Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love. Penguins team sources have told me that Love, who was a very successful junior and AHL coach, was impressive during his interview. He seems to be on the short list of favorites for the job. Love was a tough player in his minor-league playing days, and Dubas has concerns about the Penguins' lack of size and toughness. Drew Bannister, the former coach of the St. Louis Blues, is another coach who has drawn interest from the Penguins. Rick Tocchet is one of the few people with mutual affection for the Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers. He was named the Flyers' new coach on Wednesday, which did not come as a surprise. Tocchet knew all along during this offseason that the Flyers opening was his if he wanted it. That doesn't mean Tocchet didn't consider the Penguins job, but the timing and circumstances didn't work out. Dubas and Tocchet have mutual respect, but nothing more than a casual conversation took place between the two. Tocchet's concern about the job echoed Mike Sullivan's departure. Tocchet wants to win, and he wants to win now. You can argue about how close the Flyers are to winning, of course. But the Flyers are further along in their rebuild than the Penguins are. Tocchet didn't want to find himself in a situation where struggling in the first couple of seasons was OK because the franchise is building. He wants to win now and wasn't certain that the Penguins are ready for that. Dubas considers getting the Penguins back to championship contention to be urgent. However, it's clear Dubas thinks the proper plan is to build through the draft and by acquiring young players. While those might be the recipes for long-term success, they require time. That just wasn't the job Tocchet was looking for. So, he made up his mind. Advertisement Other teams were interested in Tocchet, including the Boston Bruins and the Seattle Kraken. The Kraken, in fact, were hot after Tocchet, and it made some sense. Seattle's president is Ron Francis, one of Tocchet's teammates during the Penguins' 1992 Stanley Cup run. Tocchet's son lives in the Seattle area, too, and Tocchet had already familiarized himself with the Pacific Northwest, having spent parts of the past three seasons as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks. Tocchet, however, is a former Flyers captain and retains a soft spot for Philadelphia. He is close friends with Keith Jones, the Flyers' president. And mny people, including Canucks president Jim Rutherford, have stated that Tocchet prefers to coach in the Eastern Conference. I think Tocchet was sincere about talking with other teams and gauging his situation. In the back of his mind, though, I think the Flyers were always the favorite. Speaking of teams in the Metropolitan Division, the Penguins will be waiting to hear from the New York Rangers at some point in the next six weeks regarding the 12th selection in the NHL Draft. The Rangers have the right to retain that pick. Doing so would mean the Penguins would instead receive the Rangers' first-round pick in the loaded 2026 NHL Draft. No one I've spoken to in the Penguins organization has even an inkling of what the Rangers will do. The Penguins essentially have two different plans, depending on what New York president and GM Chris Drury decides. Drury has until 48 hours before the June 27 draft to let the Penguins know. The Penguins' draft strategy obviously will change depending on New York's decision. Some have suggested that, if they have picks 11 and 12, the Penguins could make a splash by trading up. Anything is possible. This draft is pretty top-heavy. However, it's unlikely that Dubas would pair those two picks to move up into the top five. Possible, sure. Unlikely, yes. Advertisement Dubas would be more likely to keep both picks and add two blue-chip prospects to the Penguins' system. If indeed he did trade one of those picks, it would more than likely be for a very good, young player already in the NHL. The problem is that those players aren't often available. It remains most likely that Dubas simply would hold onto both picks if the Rangers indeed give the Penguins the 12th choice. Much like moving way up the draft, some people have suggested the Penguins will use offer sheets to their advantage this summer. Dubas has acknowledged it's a possibility. Yes, it's conceivable, but it's not likely. Giving a player an offer sheet comes at a price, and I don't know that the Penguins deem anyone out there to be worth the price it would take. Sidney Crosby was totally polite, as usual, when I asked him about having a role in the current coaching search. But there was an edge to his tone. He doesn't seem to love that people think he would flex his muscles to bring in a specific coach. Crosby is not a diva and doesn't like people thinking he is. More than anything, I sense Crosby is getting very tired of losing. He wants things to turn around for the Penguins, and sooner rather than later. (Photo of Mitch Love: Jess Rapfogel / NHLI via Getty Images)
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Is Sidney Crosby the greatest leader in hockey — and how does he keep doing it year after year?
When you think of Sidney Crosby , it's easy to recall his highlight-reel goals and Stanley Cup wins . But those who know him best will tell you that his legacy runs deeper than stats and trophies. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For nearly two decades, Crosby's leadership has quietly defined the Pittsburgh Penguins ' identity—fostering a culture of trust, grit, and unity. Sidney Crosby's leadership was forged in silence—and spoke volumes One of the most defining moments of Crosby's leadership came during the 2016 playoffs. After a third-period collapse against the Capitals, silence engulfed the Penguins' locker room. Crosby stood up and said, 'Hey guys. We're better than that f—ing team. This ends now.' That one line lit the fire that carried them to a Game 6 OT win and eventually, a Stanley Cup. 'It was all Sid,' recalled teammate Ian Cole. The superstar who treats rookies like veterans Despite being one of the greatest players in NHL history , Crosby has never placed himself above anyone. New teammates often receive personal texts before they even arrive, and Crosby has been known to wait in locker rooms for hours just to greet them in person. Ryan Poehling noted, 'Sidney Crosby is talking to me… He just wants to make you feel welcome.' Crosby's outreach isn't limited to rookies. Former goalie Marc-Andre Fleury shared that Sid would even speak to him in French just to lift his spirits on tough days. Whether you're a veteran or a rookie, Crosby's inclusive leadership leaves a lasting mark. Crosby's impact isn't just emotional; it's physical. Former teammate Mike Rupp recalled being outdone by Crosby in a simple training drill—one he thought he had already aced. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'I had thought… I gave everything I could. But I hadn't,' Rupp said. 'That's how Sid brings you to another level.' Even now, with the Penguins in a rebuilding phase and playoff runs behind them, Crosby stays late at practice to help top prospects settle in. His leadership isn't about commanding attention. It's about making sure everyone around him succeeds. 'When your best player is your hardest worker, you have something special,' said Matt Cullen. 'And that's what Sid is.' Also Read:
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kingerski: Dubas Mistakes Cost Crosby; Time Running Out
Sidney Crosby is too diplomatic or loyal to think it, much less say it. As the second season of general manager Kyle Dubas closes Thursday when the Penguins slide through Game 82 against the Washington Capitals in a game that will feature at least one all-time great who broke a long-standing Wayne Gretzky record, so too will the initial promises and goals set forth at the beginning of Dubas's tenure officially end in failure. Advertisement The Penguins have turned the page toward the future, at least higher up. Coach Mike Sullivan rebuffed this writer last week when asked if the emergence of rookies Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen added optimism to the current situation. Sullivan dismissively said, 'No, that's for you guys. You guys love to talk about that stuff.' The coach sang a slightly different tune on Wednesday. At least this time, Sullivan admitted that he is involved in the conversations about the future direction. 'We've certainly had discussions about where we're at and strategizing on where we want to go and how to get there. There are different ways to do that, and some teams want to strip the team right down to the studs; that's one strategy. There are others that have reshaped their teams on the fly. Washington is an example of that,' said Sullivan on Wednesday. There are a number of those examples. I know Kyle's done a deep dive on all of those different examples, and then (we're) looking at our team and trying to strategize as a group on what makes the most sense for this organization, where we're at right now and how to return this group to a Stanley Cup contender and competitive organization.' But the focus is now on Dubas. Mistakes and Misses The decisions not only on direction but also the personnel to fill those spots rest on him. Two years ago, Dubas sought to build a competitive team around the Penguins' core without compromising their future. That motivation was the impetus for acquiring Erik Karlsson, giving Ryan Graves a six-year deal, and signing Tristan Jarry to a five-year contract. Advertisement While it seems Jarry might rebound, the first two years of his deal were not adequate. Graves has been a square peg. Karlsson has defended with disinterest, and his 38 even-strength points this season are offset by a minus-27 rating, the worst of his career. The defense was less than adequate last season, and Dubas's solution was Matt Grzelcyk. Later, he added P.O Joseph, whose contributions were cut short by injury. Joseph would be a fine third-pair defenseman, but necessity has pressed him into much greater service. The reclamation projects added this season have yielded tepid results. Philip Tomasino is a one-dimensional player trying to add layers to his game, but asking a player to remodel his game has gone about as well as it sounds. Tomasino has just 21 points (10-11-21) in 49 games, and 38% of his points have been on the power play. Other additions denote a team not trying to win. Conor Timmins has been tough around the net but inconsistent elsewhere, while Matt Grzelcyk has been OK, and Kevin Hayes has been below average. Advertisement Dubas raked in a second and third-round pick for Hayes, but the Penguins have another year of Hayes and his $3.5 million salary cap hit. Setting the Scene Last season, the Penguins were a little bit of help away from being a competitive team. That help never arrived. This season, the Penguins needed help at the beginning, as the situation was clearly teetering on the edge of a hard and fast decline. The mix was obviously wrong from the beginning, but the only move was for Tomasino. Crosby and his linemates played with heart and carried the team. Without Crosby, the Penguins could very well be a bottom-three team. Yet, toward the end of December, they made a playoff push before the problems became too great. Advertisement January and February were abysmal. Marcus Pettersson and Drew O'Connor fetched a nice haul via trade with Vancouver, but lineup replacements or help in other areas were not found. The decline hastened. The Penguins drafted 14th overall in 2023. They would have drafted 14th overall in 2024 had they not traded their first-rounder for Karlsson. And in 2025, they'll finish between 7th and 9th worst. The high pick is despite another unbelievable season by Crosby. If history is any indication, he'll get at least a point Thursday night in the season finale to finish with his third-straight 90-point season. He broke Gretzky's record of consecutive point-per-game seasons (19) and has earned his fourth straight season with at least 30 goals. Advertisement Crosby has held up his end of the bargain. For that matter, so has Evgeni Malkin. While he's obviously in decline, 50 points in 67 games is a fine output for a $6.1 million second-line center. Dubas has necessarily changed his tune from retooling on the fly to revamping. Quite frankly, it's a rebuild while holding onto three or four players. Crosby, Bryan Rust, and Rickard Rakell had spectacular seasons. The latter two had career years in goal scoring and points. But no one else did. Until the recent rookie callups, Malkin was playing with a hodgepodge of wingers more suited for AHL or fourth-line duty. What could another scoring winger have done for the team? Dubas painted himself into a corner with his early misses. There's been no coming back from it. The rebuild at this time is not because Crosby is 37, but the direct result of those big plays that didn't pan out. So, his efforts quickly shifted from trying to win to a managed decline, although he never admitted to the latter. Advertisement However, Dubas has a lot to prove. The 'mode of being impatient' that Fenway Sports Group principal Tom Werner termed the ownership's expectations means that Dubas must turn the team around quickly. However, after McGroarty and Koivunen, there isn't yet much on the way. Owen Pickering will be a nice defenseman next season. Tristan Broz may break through next season or by mid-season, but otherwise, acquisitions of Tommy Novak, Timmins, Dewar, and a cavalcade of draft picks are what the Penguins have to show for their efforts. The draft picks Dubas stockpiled are second and third-round picks, which generally carry about a 9% chance of finding an impact player. That number shrinks dramatically if you're looking for a top-six center or top-four defenseman. Dubas missed his first chance to support one last run for Crosby. If there's any hope to give Crosby another chance at the playoffs before he hangs up his skates and the hockey world is infinitely poorer for it, Dubas must come through this offseason. Advertisement He doesn't have time to punt or wait. He must aggressively work to turn the corner now if Crosby is to take part. Crosby signed a two-year extension that kicks in for next season, but after that, there is no guarantee to see No. 87 on the ice. This will be summer No. 3 for Dubas, and if the conversation hasn't turned by next summer, he, too, will be working against time, just like Crosby. The offseason begins tomorrow. Start the clock. The post Kingerski: Dubas Mistakes Cost Crosby; Time Running Out appeared first on Pittsburgh Hockey Now.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kingerski: What a Perfect Penguins Offseason Would Look Like
Between now and then, between the decompression of another disappointing Pittsburgh Penguins season that forced early travel plans instead of team charters for Round One and the dog days of August, when even general managers take a day off, the Penguins organization will undergo a wrecking ball's worth of changes. Exactly how much change Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas can effect and who will be involved is still somewhat of a mystery, perhaps even to those on the inside. After all, every trade needs a partner, and every step forward must be in keeping with the plan to return the Penguins to contender status. Advertisement Dubas has already decided there will be a new voice behind the bench, but that was just the beginning of the offseason reformation. Perhaps it's fool's gold to think the great change can be done in a couple of years so that Sidney Crosby can be a part of the turnaround. It might be sillier still to imagine the playoffs coming back to Pittsburgh within the next three years. After all, Ottawa and Detroit suffered similar droughts, and Detroit's playoff absence is ongoing. Chicago is also in the midst of it` desert wandering after three Stanley Cups in five years from 2010-2015 and the eventual dissolution of its championship core over the past few years that included Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, both of whom are several years younger than the Penguins' core, including Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins' age at the top of their lineup should serve as a reminder of just how close the hockey world is to a few goodbyes. Advertisement There is some belief among reporters that Dubas and former coach Mike Sullivan differed on the timeline of a team revamp, with Dubas projecting several years and Sullivan believing it could be done quickly (Dubas deferred to Sullivan to discuss his termination, and Sullivan steadfastly refused to answer any questions about it, so we may never truly know). However, the move was an important first step, taking the team into the next era. 'I think what I've learned in two years is that there's a reason why it is essentially impossible and has not been done where a coach has led a team to winning and through a transition and all the way back,' Dubas said on April 28. As the Fenway Sports Group ownership has expressed that they are in 'the mode of being impatient,' Dubas needs a summer with forward momentum. No longer will nibbling at the edges suffice. Advertisement So, it's go time. Perfect Penguins Offseason Perfection does not exist, especially when the cooperation of others is required. So, Dubas is very unlikely to achieve his ideal goals, but there are some big boxes to check as quickly as possible. To check several would indeed constitute a best-case scenario. Defense, HELP! First, Dubas must chart the future of his defense corps. It would seem he is beginning that task near rock bottom, so anything he does in that regard will be an improvement. Probably. Good defense units have not been hallmarks of Dubas' teams throughout his career. The organization currently has three NHL defenders 25 and under, starting with Owen Pickering. Harrison Brunicke and P.O Joseph are the other two. The team's 2024-25 blue line was short on defending but made up for it by being long on turnovers and mistakes, so there should be plenty of room to add. Advertisement In addition to Pickering, Dubas would do well to acquire at least one more top-four left-side defenseman who is 25 and under with talent worthy of keeping around for the next 10 years. High-End Center The second item on any wishlist would be a center with top-of-the-lineup potential. Evgeni Malkin has one more year remaining, though age is catching up with him quickly. The 11th overall pick in the 2025 Draft might be the place Dubas can find his future treasure, but the GM shouldn't stop at just one top-six pivot, especially because it might be a year or three before a draft pick is ready. If other opportunities are available via trade, immediate help would be welcome. The Buffalo Sabres' trove of young centers, as well as the Anaheim Ducks' cadre, are good starting points. Advertisement Read More: Penguins Trade Talk; New Potential Target, More Center Options Planting the seed for a first or second-line center now would be a big win. Brady Martin or Roger McQueen in the draft or a pivot such as J.J. Peterka or Ryan McLeod from Buffalo would scratch that itch. TRADE! The ability to untether from Erik Karlsson without sacrificing assets would be a win for both Karlsson and Dubas. Trading other veterans, such as Noel Acciari and Kevin Hayes, to free space for the newbies would be a solid proposition, too. Trading Ryan Graves would also help the team and player, but we're talking about the perfect offseason, not fantasyland. 2 More Youngsters Lastly, a couple more under-25 types to replace or eventually replace what the Penguins will lose over the next few years, players like Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, would be the final stroke. Advertisement Rutger McGroarty and Ville Koivunen figure to be locks for the 2025-26 lineup, as does Pickering. Tristan Broz could crack the lineup in the fall or by mid-season, and goalie Sergei Murashov has a fighting chance to be here by January. However, the group still doesn't resemble a championship core. Those are very good complements and perhaps some foundational pieces, but the cornerstones are not yet in place. A perfect offseason for Dubas would be to find one of those cornerstones, adding left side defensive help that is both for the now and the future, a very good center capable of carrying the lineup, divesting of some veterans, and adding more youth that is eventually (or immediately) capable of carrying the heavy responsibilities that the veterans seem to effortlessly wear. Easy, right? The post Kingerski: What a Perfect Penguins Offseason Would Look Like appeared first on Pittsburgh Hockey Now.
