LATEST PENGUINS BUZZ
50 Games In: Pittsburgh’s 5-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks was just another lackluster performance that plays into Kyle Dubas’ belief since the summer that this team isn’t worth wasting future assets on. I’m in the crowd where the Penguins are a better hockey team than the .480 Points% says they are but we are 50 games in, and this is what they are.
Return for O’Connor? Whispers are Pittsburgh was offered a To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
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~~~ Bold Predictions ~~~
I asked one Eastern Conference executive this week to predict the scene around the Penguins a year out. This executive believed losing would see two ‘legacy players’ prioritize family instead of retiring Penguins and Kyle Dubas would get his wish of really starting a true youth movement. Among the Bold Predictions:
*Mike Sullivan, Penguins agree to a mutual parting and Sullivan is the next head coach of the Minnesota Wild, while Kyle Dubas has his long-term coach already on the staff in Sullivan’s best friend David Quinn……….
*Kris Letang is a member of the Montreal Canadiens by this time next season…………
*Evgeni Malkin finishes his career with the Florida To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
*Tristan Jarry is a member To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
*Pittsburgh signs To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
*Erik Karlsson surprisingly remains a Penguin in 2026 and becomes To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!
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NHL Buzz: Latest talk is even those in Jim Rutherford’s inner circle believe he has buyer’s remorse on Elias Pettersson and in a perfect world would love to move on from Pettersson before his NTC kicks in. Whispers are Pettersson is not Rutherford’s cup of tea and his lack of competitiveness drives Rutherford nuts and the former Penguins GM does not believe Pettersson is a true superstar. Carolina, Columbus are out there but add Seattle to the group of teams that has really tried to get Pettersson. However, the whole Canucks situation is just a PR nightmare with two stars feuding and in-season trying to swing a massive trade where on paper you’re going to lose either is tough sledding. The best move for the Vancouver Canucks would be to find a way to take this to the summer and really on both, Pettersson and JT Miller………The noise isn’t going away that Rick Tocchet is bracing to be the fall guy in Vancouver…………… Ducks goaltender John Gibson who evaluators prior to the season have felt was shot physicality, is starting to put some good tape together where a GM or two is going to be intrigued about bringing him on board. Gibson posting his best save percentage (.914) since 18/19…………Don’t look now but the New York Rangers look back and have lots of room to add between now and the deadline……