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Penguins Q&A: Focusing on GM Candidates, Would the Core Stay for Rebuild?

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11 months ago

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Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin. NHL Trade rumors

And the Pittsburgh Penguins GM wheel spins. Toronto Maple Leafs GM, or maybe former Maple Leafs GM, Kyle Dubas essentially took himself out of the running during his emotional and raw season-ending presser Monday. The Toronto media and I disagree on the sincerity shown, and perhaps they know better, but I saw a guy who has given everything he has to a project, and the thought of starting another project just isn’t in the purview.

To that, I can relate. I also loved that Dubas admitted there’s a difference between believing in a path and being obstinate, and he will evaluate where he is on that spectrum. I thought that was real humility.

However, some of the Toronto media weren’t buying it. Nick Kypreos had an entirely different take on his Sportsnet590 podcast; he wasn’t buying the sincerity and thought it was a negotiating ploy.

The GM spot dominated questions as we opened the floor for a Penguins Q&A. Fortunately, we also got a few Mikael Granlund queries, too!

Pittsburgh Penguins Q&A:

ANSWER: They are serious, and don’t call them Shirley.

Real answer: Actually, the Penguins ownership group has talked to TONS of people. They’ve talked to a few folks we know, but those people didn’t consider it an interview. It was … a chat? I won’t speak for Dave Molinari and what he’s heard, but that’s why I have not reported any names — it’s tough to distinguish a “chat” and an interview.

To continue the ’70s movie motif, FSG worked the room like rush chairman Eric Stratton, and they were damn glad to meet you.

I’d be very surprised if they consider Peter Chiarelli or Marc Bergevin for the GM role. Both have been roasted for their roster constructions, and for good reasons. Bergevin had Carey Price and Shea Weber, which covered a lot of ills, but Montreal was otherwise not a good team for several years.

However, Bergevin might be a very good president of hockey ops. Some GM input, personal skills, connections, and lord knows what pranks he might pull on the front office staff. From that standpoint, he could be a nice breath of fresh air.

Also, I’d love to see Stan Savran find the merlot-colored leather jacket he wore one day when Bergevin played for the Penguins. Bergevin spent an entire two-minute locker room interview weaving jokes about it into his answers. They were cutting but oh so subtle. Savran eventually cracked up laughing. I was a young reporter in awe of what was happening. After 21 or 22 years, I still remember it.

For the president and GM roles, the Penguins org needs to open the shades, fling open the doors, and get all the sunshine and fresh air they can. There was a crusty stank on the org by April.

Answer: Sleepers? I’ll put one name out there that I know has garnered some interest during the process: Kevin Weekes.

Would Jason Karmanos count as a sleeper? There are a few organizations to focus on, including the Tampa Bay Lightning, LA Kings, and Dallas Stars.

Answer: The internet always knows best, right? Despite the criticism I’ll receive, I believe John Chayka would be a strong candidate IF–IF he’s matured. I thought he made a mess at the end in Arizona, but until he got caught interviewing with New Jersey, AZ was on the right path.

Now, he upset many people with how he handled that, but let’s not gloss over the situation. He was possibly going to run the Devils AND the Mets. A dumb guy doesn’t get that job, and I can assure you he would have a strong analytics department, and you will not see multi-year contracts to 37-year-olds nor expensive veterans past 30 who haven’t produced in a few years.

I’m also on record as thinking highly of Dallas AGM Steve Greeley’s resume. Ryan Martin of the New York Rangers, too.

Answer: At least a No. 1 pick, a prospect, and an NHL player. At least. It had to hurt wondering if they would get Connor Bedard then getting second. If Anaheim doesn’t have a good offseason, perhaps Gibson will throw down the gauntlet and demand a trade. He deserves better than the haphazard roster construction and tepid rebuilding in Anaheim.

Connor Hellebuyck would be the more affordable option because he has one year left on his contract, but provided he’d sign a deal with the Penguins.

Answer: Well… I know plenty of folks in hockey circles have discussed it, and many would buy out Granlund.

Save over $4 million next season and just over $3 million the following season, but then two more years costing $1.8 million. No, Granlund doesn’t fit, nor is he what they need, but that’s a lot to eat for a serviceable player. However, four years of that kind of dead money on the books? Yikes.

I would think long and hard about trying to get some production out of him for at least one more year. Hey, the Penguins might need a LW. Or  RW.

A Granlund buyout would be about third on my progression list of saving money. Petry would be first.

Don’t ask what my second one would be. You wouldn’t like it.

Answer: Great question. Jonathan Toews won’t finish his career in Chicago. I can easily imagine a scenario where it’s no longer fun, and the boys realize they must go their separate ways. They fought to stay together because they thought they could win. Realizing they can’t or won’t win might change that thinking.

Do they want to go down with the ship? I could see situations in which either Letang or Malkin helped the team by being traded. A selfless act in the end against their emotional ties. What would LA or Edmonton be with either one? How about Montreal or Ottawa needing a leader? Minnesota (Bill Guerin) needs a center and help on the blue line. Or maybe the New York Rangers collecting hockey cards?

Those are just current examples. Who knows what the world will look like in one year or two?

Sidney Crosby is the only one I would bet heavily on finishing his career here.

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