Penguins Wrap: Setting the Stage for What’s to Come

Kyle Dubas, by all accounts, spent his first week as the Pittsburgh Penguins’ president of hockey operations immersed in the issues facing the franchise.

But while this figures to be a busy — probably hectic, perhaps even chaotic at times — for the Penguins, as Dubas, who is doubling as interim general manager, attempts to transform them back into serious Stanley Cup contenders while simultaneously restocking a prospects pool that has largely dried up during the past decade or so.

To this point, however, Dubas’ energy has gone into evaluating, not executing. He presumably has been formulating a plan of action for the weeks and month ahead, but has not yet implemented it, at least when it comes to revamping the major-league roster.

Nonetheless, here’s a look back at the past week for the Pittsburgh Penguins:

Sunday

If the Penguins are looking to add speed, as Mike Sullivan has suggested, here are some candidates to be considered.

Monday

Will the Penguins still be able to lure prominent free agents here?

Toronto didn’t impose any restrictions on Kyle Dubas when it gave him permission to interview for a job with the Penguins.

Tuesday

It turns out that a case can be made that buying out Mikael Granlund’s contract might make salary-cap sense for the Pittsburgh Penguins, after all.

Wednesday

Kyle Dubas showed a willingness to trade down in the draft during his time as GM in Toronto.

The Penguins will have to improve a lot in 2023-24 if they hope to regain their place among serious Stanley Cup contenders. Here are six players who should elevate their games then.

Thursday

A sudden glut of capable goalies on the trade market might have an impact on the future of Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry, who will be an unrestricted free agent if not re-signed before July 1.

Friday

Could a trade for someone like Anaheim’s John Gibson provide the answer for questions about who the Penguins’ go-to goalie will be in coming seasons? How about Connor Hellebuyck? (+)

Some members of the Penguins’ supporting cast will be restricted free agents July 1, and a couple of them can take the team to salary arbitration.

Saturday

Per a league source, the Pittsburgh Penguins plan to resume participating in the Prospects Challenge tournament in Buffalo this year.