The Pittsburgh Penguins brass began formulating a preliminary list in their coaching search several days ago in what the team plans to be a vast search through the next month and maybe well into June. Since early April a possible parting of ways with Mike Sullivan has been building among Kyle Dubas’ inner circle and the thought of moving on from Sullivan was closely guarded throughout the organization between four individuals: Kyle Dubas, Jason Spezza, Tom Werner and [/hide] Fenway Sports Group Top Advisor Ted Werner who has become heavily evolved with the team over the last year.

One Notion from the Penguins search is to expect this: Don’t fall in love with the belief the team is dead-set on hiring someone with no NHL head coaching experience. Perfect world Kyle Dubas and his staff would love to find the next Spencer Carbery, but this search is going to be a mix of experience, young up and coming coaches, ect and see where it goes.

The Way Too Early Darkhorse Names to Watch…………

Among the names percolating via league and team sources of being on Pittsburgh’s initial list who have been deemed dark horse names (Non-Big Names) to watch:

Manny Malhotra, HC Abbotsford Canucks | Malhotra was an early name getting a ton of buzz in gathering intel on the Penguins search Monday. One source even joked he looks like Spencer Carbery. Malhotra To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

Steve Ott, St. Louis Blues Assistant Coach | Kyle Dubas is notoriously regarded around the league as executive who has often leaned on To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

Dave Hakstol, [hide] Former Flyers/Kraken Head Coach | Hakstol has jumped out among league executives as the type of former head coach expected to be on Pittsburgh’s radar where he has the collegiate history, success at the NHL level with non-True Contenders. Hakstol also has a Kyle Dubas connection working for the Leafs where he was very well liked and there is respect between the two sides. [/hide]

Kirk [hide] Mueller, Capitals Assistant Coach | A former head coach with vast experience in different situations who is boosting his stock around the league is Capitals assistant Kirk Mueller. He’s worked in various systems and is earning great praise for his individual work with the Capitals young forwards. [/hide]

John Snowden, [hide] Lehigh Valley Assistant Coach | A name to come out of nowhere is Lehigh Valley Assistant coach Jonathan Snowden. Pittsburgh brass tried to hire him as WBS head coach last season but the Flyers blocked the move, and he is going to get a look from Pittsburgh. Very well-liked by Pittsburgh’s management team as Snowden spent five years in the Leafs organization. He has been looked by Dubas & Co as a rising star in the coaching ranks and has four years of experience in the AHL. [/hide]

[hide] Jeremy Colliton, New Jersey Devils Assistant Coach | The former Blackhawks coach is getting some mention as a possible name to watch in the process due to being on Sheldon Keefe’s staff and fitting the profile of being a younger coach with experience + experience of coaching stars such as Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, ect. [/hide]

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