Dubas desires Crosby to conclude his career with the Penguins but regrets acting too late…
In his inaugural season as the Pittsburgh Penguins’ general manager/director of hockey operations, Kyle Dubas finally witnessed the team’s transformation into what he envisioned.
However, this transformation came just a tad too late for Sidney Crosby and his teammates to secure a playoff berth. Despite a spirited 8-2-3 finish to the season, Pittsburgh found itself on the outside looking in for the second consecutive year.
Dubas openly acknowledges the responsibility for the team’s shortcomings, admitting that it’s his duty to ensure they have the right personnel to achieve their goals. The Penguins’ struggles stemmed from various issues, including their ineffective power play, inconsistent performances over five months, and a critical decision to trade Jake Guentzel mid-season, which backfired.
The absence from the playoffs after a long streak of appearances has prompted Dubas to contemplate how to strengthen the team around core players like Crosby, Malkin, Letang, and Karlsson. Top on his agenda is securing Crosby’s future with the team, expressing a desire for the iconic player to retire as a Penguin, although specifics of a new contract remain undisclosed.
Despite approaching his late 30s, Crosby continues to excel, matching Wayne Gretzky’s record for consecutive seasons averaging a point per game. While he remains focused on the present, Crosby’s future plans are open-ended, with his priority being another shot at winning the Stanley Cup.
As Crosby’s contract nears its end, the Penguins face questions about their goaltending situation and the development of younger players acquired through trades. Despite uncertainties, there’s optimism within the organization, with a determination to return to playoff contention next season.
In summary, Dubas aims to build a competitive roster around Crosby to revive the Penguins’ playoff fortunes, emphasizing the need for improvement after missing out on postseason action.
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