Dubas Puts the Lumber to Erik Karlsson; ‘Actions Must Match Ambitions’
CRANBERRY — It would seem the Pittsburgh Penguins and Erik Karlsson are stuck with each other, but there may be some lingering frustrations.
The moment Friday was as close to honest as a general manager could be without levying heavy criticism after another failed season that ended in the Penguins’ third-straight playoff miss.
Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas buried a few nuggets in his more than 30-minute press conference Monday, but the moment that leaped from the page was his plain-spoken criticism of defenseman Erik Karlsson and a slight bristle at Karlsson’s expression of frustration.
Dubas said that as part of the exit meetings on Friday, he and Karlsson had a lengthy meeting. Dubas seemed a little put off by Karlsson’s comments and disappointment.
Dubas put the responsibility back on Karlsson.
“Erik, I think, is and will forever be a polarizing figure. While I don’t know his exact comments, my view would be that we expect him to be one of the people who pulls us from where we’re at and into contention,” Dubas said. “I had a long meeting with Erik on Friday. My push to him would be that his actions have to match his ambitions. That’s in consistency, preparation, and training, like every other player on the team.”
In other words, if you’re angry or frustrated by the results, you bear more responsibility than most players.
Karlsson missed all of training camp, and the defenseman admitted the early part of the season was a struggle for him. He didn’t feel his best and struggled.
Read More: Frustrated Karlsson Speaks of Uncertain Penguins Future; ‘Whatever Happens…’
Overall, his offensive production looks solid. He had 53 points, including 11 goals in 82 games, but that’s well down from his 100-point season that earned him a Norris Trophy and a trade to the Penguins two summers ago. His minus-24 rating is deep red ink, too.
Karlsson was visibly frustrated when he spoke to the media on clean-out day last Friday. He didn’t publicly ask for a trade as he did in San Jose, but he also didn’t close the door to the possibility, either.
At the risk of stating the obvious, Dubas noted multiple times that the Penguins’ defense must improve, and even saddled the blue line with some of the goaltending struggles, too.
However, he reserved specifics for Karlsson, who has two years remaining on a contract that carries a $10 million salary cap hit to the Penguins (San Jose is picking up about $1.5 million of the $11.5 million total).
The Penguins and Dubas, who made Karlsson the centerpiece of his attempted team revamp during his first summer on the job, need more. Much more. Dubas, especially, seemed to bear the disappointment of not getting Karlsson’s best consistently.
“He’s shown throughout the year that he has another level to him. (He did so) at times playing for us, certainly playing for Sweden at the Four Nations Face-Off, he was a player that you would watch and say, ‘this guy can help any team not only contend, but probably win.’ But it’s emblematic of the rest of the group as well,” said Dubas, pulling back the reins of criticism.”There were moments of great play with too many inconsistencies, and we have to push him to get there. And that’s the expectation that’s dictated by his talent level and the impact he can make.”
Karlsson was magnificent for Team Sweden at the Four Nations Face-Off in February and was one of the stars of the tournament. Yet his elevated play was seen only sporadically while wearing a Penguins sweater.
Read More: Insider Nuggets: Why Karlsson Lit Up Team Sweden (+)
That juxtaposition of Team Sweden’s version of Karlsson vs. the Penguins’ version clearly struck a negative chord with the GM.
“It’s a joint venture. So, yes, part of it is on the team, part is on Erik,” Dubas concluded. “We have to find our way through.”
From the comments, one could also extrapolate greatly diminished trade possibilities, as Dubas clearly spoke of a future together and finding a way to get more out of Karlsson, rather than any future uncertainty. Perhaps it won’t be Karlsson’s choice if he remains with the Penguins.
Perhaps the circumstances will dictate, which could be just the beginning of the next Penguins drama.
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So EK65 can play good hockey with team Sweden, but not with team Sullivan.
If only there was a change that would fix the way this team play.
But unfortunately, there isn’t.
Gee, if firing the coach could possibly change things. But it won’t happen cuz in Doobie’s words, ” If you fire Mike Sullivan, then you’re looking for a Mike Sullivan.” All I can offer Doobie is this: there are plenty of coaches out there that have missed the playoffs 3 years in a row, and that haven’t won a playoff series since 2018. And for alot less moola.
at this point, EK reminds me of “Cassie,” the lead dancer in A CHORUS LINE, in that he’s a former star who can only audition for ensemble parts now, but can’t fit in and just be part of the background chorus because he’s always had the freedom to be a featured player. (site’s first broadway reference?) kinda thought the pens would use EK the way San Jose used him – to be the only source of offense when Crosby & malkin were off the ice. whoever/whatever the bottom six was, just let EK freelance and try to put up another… Read more »
You can quote many movies, shows, and books on this site, but I’m pretty sure if quote Chorus Line, you’re alone
Upvoted simply for the bold choice of film reference
Excellent points. Chorus Line reference or not.
Isn’t a key rule of business “Never negotiate against yourself?” Dubas saying anything about a desire to trade Karlsson would only weaken his position in trade conversations. Criticizing him while at the same time saying “we know there’s more to his game and we want it” reads “I might be willing to move him, but I know how valuable he can be so don’t think he’ll be given away.”
I agree, but I also think Dubas’s honesty on Karlsson could be read as saying no contender wanted him. Reflecting back on Dan’s piece suggesting possible fits and the Dallas GM’s reaction, Dubas’s comments could also speak to a trade to a contender. Karlsson likely played himself out of a trade to a contender and Dubas is not just telling him that the Pens need him to be his best, but if Karlsson’s “ambition” is to get to a contender, his play has to make him desirable to such teams. Clearly he didn’t do that consistently this past season.
EK65 for Elias Petterson (F) – straight up. I do like Karlsson, and I applaud the move, but some things just ultimately don’t work out. Both could use a new scene, and looks like Quinn Hughes wants to play with his bros in NJ.
Players want to stay because it’s familiar, not because it’s what’s best for the team. Mindset is everything and comfortability is a mindset – which is among the reasons players fall short of a really hard goal to achieve. We have talented players, just ones with the wrong mindset, and that’s not good for a room thats going to get younger.
I read this as an ultimatum to EK.
I sure hope it is!
Me too
Ultimatum? How?
He’s guaranteed $23M over the next 2 years even if he’s playing for the Wheeling Nailers.
What kind of ultimatum is that? “You better play better or…or…or…you just better play better!”
I read that as “EK if you want actually want to win, play better, because you can”. Look at Brent Burns at age 40+.
Brent Burns has been much worse than EK over the past 2 years. But Burns got the benefit of playing with a good team and a good D partner
true, but burns is a great fit for what Carolina does while EK doesn’t fit in Pittsburgh. Carolina plays dump & chase and then shoot from the points into the chaos in front of the net. that style actually accelerated/improved with the addition of burns(and it’s why rantanen didn’t want to stay). the pens (try to)play a swarming team defense but they need speedy forwards and responsible defenders. EK just has no interest in playing defense – he’s more like Roger Dorn from MAJOR LEAGUE(since you guys didn’t like my CHORUS LINE reference).
Don’t give me none of this Ole` bullcrap!
Ding-ding-ding-ding!
What exactly is the ultimatum? Play better or else? You might as well tell EK,…”Be a goon,…or else.”
What-play better or Sully will bench you or scratch you? LMAO!!!! Sully MUST GO!!!
I would be interested in what roster construction scenarios would be conducive to maximizing his opportunity to succeed.
Or coaching scenarios?
I think Dubas is desparate. As this trade has so defined his 2 years as GM. Dubas’
only redemption is to fix one of the worst rades in Penguin history. The only one I can think of that may have been worse was the Markus Naslund deal.
Let’s hope Dubas can fix this for our sake and his!
Markus Naslund was actually good. Aside from Granlund having a completely unexpected career year, the Pens gave up nothing for Karlsson.
It’s hardly Jagr for Kris Beech and Ross Lupaschuck.
I guess giving up a 1st round pick is “nothing” lol
The Sharks also got another 1st round pick for Granlund, fyi
He’s been a total waste since Day 1. Making that much money, he needs to be a leader and major contributor. But he makes rookie mistakes almost every game and his offensive output is no longer worth his defensive shortcomings. I’d bet he gave up more points in turnovers than he scored this past season. Even if the team has to retain 2 or 3 mill, they need to dump him. He’s not a winner. The money saved could be used better elsewhere.
If Ovechkin reaches the SCF this season, he moves up to No. 5 on the list of best players ever. The greatest goal-scorer in history has had a phenomenal year and upstaged Crosby in the process. Crosby is droppin’ like a rock, not that he cards about winning or rankings any more.
I remember when people said that after Toews and Kane won a couple Cups in Chicago.
If I’m EK65, I tell Duby to get coaches who understand modern offensive hockey concepts. Or else get me the hell out of this spithole.
Word.
I’ve been following this team on a daily basis since 1994. Erik Karlsson is my least favorite Pen of all time.
We’re happy for ya.
KD brings in Karlsson knowing Sullivan can only run his team with an offensive mindset. Bring in more offense on the Blueline to compensate for the lack of defensive ability of your D corps. This approach has failed miserably. Coaching and Mgt both are at fault.
I’m not worried. Just bring back Dumoulin as a UFA, pair him with Tanger, and the fans and media can pretend it’s 2016 all over again.
Sharks fan visiting your site.EK65 is a great player, but his defense has always been questionable. The SJS season was a miserable one for sure but I am glad GMMG got out from under his albatross contract.