One contention around the league is Penguins GM Kyle Dubas who was regarded as ‘the only General Manager’ not trying to win’, would have traded Erik Karlsson in a heartbeat last summer if any legitimate trade interest emerged that would have been the perfect storm where Karlsson would have waived; Hello Florida or Vegas.

Penguins new head coach Dan Muse who when hired was misrepresented as being all about development, was intrigued and looking forward to the challenge of coaching up Karlsson.

And we’re seeing the dividends in a different Erik Karlsson in year 3.

One major complaint internally from Mike Sullivan’s two seasons of coaching Karlsson is Sullivan always felt he had to cater to Kris Letang’s feelings, sources inside the room say. While Letang and Karlsson get along great now off the ice, it was not an easy situation. Sources say Karlsson could feel the cloud where he felt uncomfortable not to step on anyones toes and couldn’t be himself.

What Dan Muse has done since his first meeting with Karlsson is make Karlsson feel like the man again. Members of the organization indicate To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

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