Penguins GM Search: Chayka Emerges as Strong Candidate, Others Gain Support

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ search for front-office personnel seems to be in the home stretch. Tuesday, multiple candidates were informed they would not be part of the front-office structure, although the exact structure is not yet set. One name that emerged late in the day was former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka.

Chayka is believed to be a strong contender for a job with the organization, but the position is not yet clear. Fenway Sports Group’s final decisions appear to be hinging on conversations with former Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas.

Dubas is also believed to be a frontrunner for a position with the Penguins. Sources with knowledge of the process said they felt he is the favorite.

The other candidates for GM, Dallas Stars assistant GM Steve Greeley and Carolina Hurricanes assistant GM Eric Tulsky, are drawing focus in what appears to be the final steps of due diligence. In speaking with multiple sources Tuesday, PHN heard contrasting opinions and information. Some leaned toward Greeley being the favorite behind Chayka and Dubas, while others expressed a preference for Tulsky.

Clarification: A TSN report indicated Tulsky is out of the process. PHN believes this to be true but has not yet independently confirmed it.

The Penguins cleaned house on April 14, one day after their final regular-season game, severing ties with the president of hockey operations Brian Burke, GM Ron Hextall, and assistant GM Chris Pryor.

The NHL Draft will take place on June 28-29, just 35 days from now.

FSG owner John Henry cast a wide net for interviews and consultations. People inside and outside the hockey world were consulted in varying degrees as FSG narrowed its process.

Tuesday, FSG notified multiple candidates they were no longer candidates for GM and/or president of hockey operations. That process continued into Tuesday evening, a sign that final decisions loom, perhaps this week.

James Murphy of Boston Hockey Now and Dave Molinari of Pittsburgh Hockey Now contributed to this report.