Dan’s Daily: More Dubas to Penguins Rumors, Sullivan Status
The NHL silly season has begun. As PHN noted earlier this week, there is chatter in hockey circles about Kyle Dubas to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tuesday, Larry Brooks of the New York Post tweeted a whopper of a scenario. PHN examined the job status of Penguins coach Mike Sullivan, whose seat should be warm going into next season. The Dallas Stars rebounded, the Carolina Hurricanes regained their grip, Gabriel Landeskog already is out for next season, and the Toronto Maple Leafs face the guillotine tonight.
Yes, insiders are talking about Dubas bolting Toronto. That part isn’t a joke, but I doubt the Penguins’ transition team or Fenway Sports Group has yet been granted permission to speak to him. That seems an essential piece of the puzzle before discussing the public chatter.
As many know, I’m in Las Vegas, holding the fort for Vegas Hockey Now and maintaining my role with Pittsburgh Hockey Now. I’ve been out here for more than a week, but Tuesday was the first night I participated in the nightlife beyond taking a walk or getting mugged by a waiter when they brought the check.
After 14 years of waiting, always wanting, never going, I finally saw Cirque du Soleil’s Beatles Love. It was worth the wait. You know I’m not one given to being easily impressed, but that was just … unbelievable. Amazing.
The show has been my Eleanor. Once, a person even hijacked me on my birthday for a dumpy off-strip Italian restaurant despite my requests to see it. Finally! (It’s also why the Daily was an hour or two late today. Apologies!)
Anyway…
Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates:
So, here’s what Brooks had to offer:
So I will pass along this scenario that was just presented to me.
Dubas leaves Toronto to become Pittsburgh GM, brings Keefe with him, as such fires Mike Sullivan, who in turn becomes free (assuming permission) to become NYR HC.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) May 9, 2023
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Brooks’ tweet came a few hours after I put coach Mike Sullivan and his future under the microscope. Sullivan’s seat should be warm both now and heading into next season, but for different reasons than many of you say. It’s a realistic and (hopefully) insightful read. Penguins analysis.
Kris Letang is a finalist for the Masterton Trophy, and I dare say he has a good chance to win it.
Steelers Now:
Despite a great draft class, the oddsmakers call the Pittsburgh Steelers longshots in the AFC North.
Craig Wolfley’s nephew has been invited to Steelers camp.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now:
Henry Davis, the former top overall pick, is having a day in Double-A. Pirates prospects watch.
On the MLB diamond, Luis Ortiz made his season debut and delivered a mixed bag on the mound. A few errors sunk him, and the Pirates were crushed by Colorado, 10-1. Pittsburgh Pirates recap.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, News & National Hockey Now:
NHL.com: After winning game 3, the New Jersey Devils had a chance to get back in the series. Instead, Carolina took them back to school in a 6-1 drubbing. Carolina can close them out in 5.
TSN: Highlights of the Dallas Stars crushing the Seattle Kraken, 6-3.
Colorado Hockey Now: Gabriel Landeskog will miss all of next season, too, as he undergoes a ligament transplant.
Vegas Hockey Now: This is the way. The Vegas Golden Knights’ chance blossomed in Game 3. For the series and beyond, their path forward is Jack Eichel.
Apology and classy acceptance. After an offensive joke on Sportscenter, ESPN anchor John Anderson apologized to Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud.
Montreal Hockey Now: Passing on Lane Hutson is not looking good for the Penguins. Watch the Montreal Canadiens’ prospect just undress a goalie.
Boston Hockey Now: The coach and organization had the final presser of the year. The Boston Bruins coach made a few decisions that were questioned, and now Jim Montgomery is on the hot seat.
Washington Hockey Now: For charity work and community leadership, Tom Wilson is the Capitals’ nominee for the King Clancy Award. Washington Capitals news.
Nashville Hockey Now: How the Nashville Predators have fared with a top-15 pick.
Chicago Hockey Now: Does winning Connor Bedard mean an endgame for the Chicago Blackhawks‘ rebuild?
Dan, if the both opportunities presented itself, think I prefer Tulsky over Dubas. Seems like he has done more with less.
Hard no on Keefe
Tampa Bay’s Darche would be a tremendous hire. Tremendous with Cap and talent evaluator. He would be stupid to take Penguins job. He would have to be guaranteed complete control to clean up mess. Entire mindset has to be changed.
After my response, a buddy told me about a article he just saw. Darche was mentioned and I told him, he’s have to be. A name that shocked me was Marc Bergevin! If Mario is involved, that name would be definitely be mentioned. They grew up together.
Hard no on Dubus. Look how he has constructed the Leafs Roster. He hasn’t won in Toronto, why would you want him here ?!?!?!?!?!?!
Dan, you went just in time: LOVE is closing at the end of the year due to the sale of the Mirage. I’ve seen it twice.
Ka at the MGM Grand is also amazing if you feel like hitting up another Cirque show in the future.
NO! I may have to see it again before I leave, then.
Dan I love that rumor. Sounds to good to be true.
If it sounds too good to be true(what’s the saying) I’m not getting my hopes up. Would love it though.
It seems a bit message-board-perfect to me, too
Dan, don’t know if you ever got to see him but my favorite show in Vegas was Danny Gans. He.left us too soon. Try some Secret pizza at the Cosmo if you haven’t!
Secret pizza?? Do tell
Montgomery in the same mention as “hot seat” is another indicator that NHL coaching is a tenuous profession. To that point the five year extension for Sullivan was ridiculous length.
Any GM that dumps sully is my hero!
Pete, no quality Presidential or General Manager candidate would accept the job without the authority to hire their own Head Coach and staff. A strong indicator of the Candidates character, strength and integrity! This organization is in serious trouble. Roster a mess. Very old, small, soft and no Cap or prospects.
Dubas, has a Roster loaded with tremendous talent and can’t past 1st Rd of playoffs. Anybody that has played or Coached teams, knows that if a team is loaded with talent and can’t win, there’s a problem. No real character on the team, wrong system or ability to make adjustments to win. How many talented athletes had no leadership skills?
Is there any verifiable progress on gm search? Interviews held? How soon would a GM need to be in place to have a team together for the draft?
Dan I haven’t received any update in days. I can’t get through to you. If anyone can help me contact Dan THANK YOU!
Check your junk mail folders. The emails are going out.