Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas took questions for over half an hour yesterday in his season-ending news conference, and while he is certain he has the team on the right track, he hinted it might be another year before fans see the sort of Penguins Stanley Cup-contending team they are used to.
Dubas hit a number of hot topics, breaking down the team’s forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders. He’s happy with the young talent in the forward group and impressed with the goalie depth, but he says the blue line needs a lot of help, particularly on the left side.
Dubas says he understands that fans want to see a contender which is in it for the long term.
Dubas will meet with Mike Sullivan today. He has no plans to dismiss the two-time Stanley Cup-winning coach.
The Penguins have positioned themselves to upgrade the talent level in the offseason.
Goaltenders Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic will have to earn their jobs in the fall, with competition from young hotshots Joel Blomvqvist and Sergei Murashov.
Dubas says he has no interest in high-priced veteran acquisitions this summer.
Dubas acknowledged that he is willing to move any player in the offseason if he thinks it will improve the Penguins, even top line forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. He said the Penguins “will look at anything with anyone” in the trade market.
