Pittsburgh’s on-going pursuit of Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson is around the two-month mark as Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas has been dead-set on acquiring Karlsson since the moment he was officially hired and really since he interviewed in person on a Sunday night with Penguins ownership back in May. Finding a way to acquire Karlsson who Dubas also pursued last season as Leafs General Manager has been the primary and really only game changing type move up Dubas has sought since taking over that the team internally believes can and would re-open the Penguins window as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference for the next couple seasons.

As the Drew O’Connor resigning has opened up a 48-hour buyout window starting Saturday all eyes are now on Dubas and Pittsburgh and whether they can get creative enough and close the financial gap with the Sharks and a possible third team involved to secure a deal for Karlsson. The sense around the league continues to be that Pittsburgh is in the driver’s seat to acquire Karlsson but there is a belief in league circles that if Pittsburgh can’t come up with the creative means to close the gap by early/middle of next week, San Jose plans to go back to the drawing board and patiently wait out the process despite the player and representation strongly pushing for the completion of a trade this month.

MORE BUZZ

— Could the Penguins opening night right side of the defense be: Kris Letang, Erik Karlsson & Jeff Petry? It’s something the Penguins have internally felt was possible, at least at one point this summer during the Karlsson pursuit. As the Penguins have been upfront with Petry and his representation at Newport Sports about the possibility of a trade this summer due to their desire to acquire Karlsson who is also repped by Newport Sports, one prominent trade scenario discussed To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

— Pittsburgh’s big announcement Friday that Jake Guentzel had ankle surgery this week and will be evaluated in 12 weeks has led to the mystery of when he was injured? The Penguins in a released statement are talking like this was a nagging injury: “As Jake continued to increase the intensity of his preparation for the upcoming season, it was apparent that his ankle injury was not resolving in a way that was satisfactory to he or the Penguins,” Penguins president and general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement. “In collaboration with Jake – his representative Ben Hankinson of Octagon Sports, the Penguins medical team led by Dr. Dharmesh Vyas of UPMC Sports Medicine, and Dr. Coetzee – it was decided that surgery would be the best way to ensure Jake would be at his best in 2023-2024.”……….Okay players have nagging injuries but if that’s the case why was he playing all summer, including this week in the Da Beauty League or whatever it’s called? Everyone has been quick behind the scenes to say Guentzel was not hurt this week in the Minnesota summer league, but what would you expect. No one is dumb enough to admit that even if it was the case. Facts are the Penguins and Guentzel’s camp have to understand the questioning they’re getting and are going to get on this one………..Guentzel entering a contract year had been in casual talks with the Penguins on a long-term extension of at least five years and slightly over $To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

— After signing a staggering seven-year deal worth around $45 million back in June to take the reins of the organization, Kyle Dubas this week, as expected, named himself General Manager and will officially assume the role of President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. Other newsworthy promotions to the Penguins new front-office structure:

Andy Saucier | Director of Professional Personnel

Erik Heasley | Director of Minor League and Amateur Scouting Operations

Amanda Kessel as Special Assistant to the POHO/GM

Trevor Daley as Special Assistant to the POHO/GM

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