The core and Mike Sullivan all knew barring a great start to the season, the Penguins pivoting before Thanksgiving to acquire more draft capital and opening spots for AHL players was always going to be the end game for General Manager Kyle Dubas. Reason being Dubas told the Sullivan’s and Crosby’s of the organization straight up over the summer this was going to be the plan. This talk that Dubas and ownership guaranteed Sidney Crosby they would try to win this season is some bad info out there. Since early June Crosby and his inner circle have been aware of this being the plan. They were never happy about it especially after being led to believe near end of last season the team would be aggressive again (last summer) but no one can accuse Dubas of not being upfront with the power brokers in the organization.

While Dubas continues to do a great job of accumulating draft assets, this is basically a punt season he put in place back in June, where the front office see’s room for growth internally next season that could open the door to being more aggressive in the trade and free agent market. One team source says next summer the Penguins could have a ‘Capitals’ type aggressive summer, but the counterpoint is everyone To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

MORE BUZZ

— The Penguins set a price on Lars Eller back in June of a second-round pick or a combination of a 3rd and 5th round pick. The whole league has been aware of this for months. There was hesitation to move Eller over the summer, due to push back from the coaching staff, but the coaches, Eller had no say on this one after the start to this season. It was just a coincidence the Penguins sent Eller back to Washington. This wasn’t a situation of trying to find the best landing spot for the player.

Who’s Next?

Defenseman Marcus Pettersson and his family genuinely would love to sign an extension with the Penguins and stay in Pittsburgh. Petterson’s agent Peter Wallen has made that know to the Penguins for months. Pittsburgh, though, sent out To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

Another name to watch where you could see some more immediate movement league sources say is Noel Acciari. Acciari’s graded internally among the Penguins Top-5 forwards and Pittsburgh has gauged the market for a return as high as a To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

Others: The belief is the Penguins are more lean trading Drew O’Connor To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

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— Don’t look for Cody Glass to be moved anytime soon. Once healthy there is said to be a strong interest from the front office in seeing his role grow. They think there is more to his game and seek a bigger role for him………..Penguins enter tonight with the 27th worst Points% (.412) in the National Hockey League. Next Three Opponents: Detroit (.464%), Columbus (.400%), San Jose (.382%)….. To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

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