Penguins Wrap: Big Decisions, Major Moves Looming

Kyle Dubas has had nearly a month to settle into his new role as president of hockey operations and interim general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

This week, he’ll get a chance to act on the knowledge he’s acquired in recent weeks to begin the daunting task of transforming the Penguins back into serious Stanley Cup contenders while simultaneously restocking their steadily shrinking pool of quality prospects.

That’s because the NHL Draft will held Wednesday and Thursday in Nashville, and the free-agent signing period starts Saturday. Factor in the potential for trades, and the Pittsburgh Penguins figure to be pretty active in coming days.

Until then, here’s a look at the past week for the Penguins:

Sunday

There has been much speculation about the possibility of the Penguins trading down in the NHL Draft in order to get some extra choices. They haven’t necessarily fared well with their picks in the second round, however.

Monday

Assessing some players around the league who might attract interest from Kyle Dubas if he decides to make a major trade this summer.

Tuesday

Penguins alums Sergei Gonchar and Tom Barrasso have been passed over in Hockey Hall of Fame voting in the past, but is this the year one or both of them is chosen to become an Honoured Member?

Kyle Dubas negotiates his first contract since joining the Penguins, signing forward Valtteri Puustinen to a one-year contract.

Dates and a roster for the Penguins’ annual development camp are set.

Wednesday

The Penguins explored a deal to acquire Vancouver forward J.T. Miller during Ron Hextall’s tenure as GM. Now that Kyle Dubas is in charge, should they look into it again?

Brandon Wheat Kings center Nate Danielson is one of the prospects on the Penguins’ radar as the NHL Draft approaches.

Tom Barrasso is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023. Sergei Gonchar is not.

Thursday

Here are four potential replacements for second-line left winger Jason Zucker if he leaves the Penguins via free agency this summer.

Friday

Looks like a Mikael Granlund buyout isn’t likely, after all.

Kyle Dubas says he’s negotiating with Jason Zucker, Tristan Jarry and Brian Dumoulin, but doesn’t know yet whether any will be re-signing with the Penguins.

It’s possible that the Penguins will utilize salary-cap space when making trades during the offseason. (+)

The Penguins have a seven-game preseason schedule, including a game in Sidney Crosby’s home area.

Saturday

Kyle Dubas is expected to bring a lot of fresh ideas to the Penguins, but his drafting philosophy is pretty much the same one his predecessors had.