The Pittsburgh Penguins are preparing for the upcoming NHL trade deadline with a strong recent performance, having earned points in 14 of their last 16 games and holding second place in the Metropolitan Division. General Manager Kyle Dubas discussed the team’s situation and several key topics during an interview with Josh Getzoff.
Sidney Crosby’s injury was a primary subject. Dubas provided an update on Crosby, who is expected to miss at least four weeks due to a lower-body injury. “I think, as you know, he’s extraordinarily diligent, and is going to do everything he can. He always puts his team first. And his way of doing that is making decisions that are totally selfless over there in Milan, and then coming back here and really doing everything he can to get back and help the Penguins. So, he’s in here for long hours every day rehabbing his injury. It’s been over two weeks now, so hopefully we’ve kind of crossed the peak, and we’re coming down the other side where we’ll start to see him get back on the ice and test it that way. Obviously that that will be the best trade deadline addition that we could make, is when Sid returns to the lineup. We’ll just continue to try to stack some points up in his absence and put the team in a good spot as he has put the team in a great spot for over two decades now. So, it’s the team’s chance to give back.”
Evgeni Malkin’s contract status also came up for discussion. Malkin recently stated: “We talked a little bit with (agent J.P. Barry) a couple days ago, and he just say, like, wait (until) end of season and then see what’s going on. Nothing (we) can say right now. I’m just playing. It’s not my job to talk to Kyle or somebody. I just play my game and just wait. Sid has injury, I want to help the team win, of course. Like, (no) crazy news. I’m just waiting. And I think my agent tell me, like, we wait (until) end of season.”
Dubas elaborated on how contract talks have progressed: “Yeah, I think at the beginning of the year, in talking to J.P. Barry, Geno’s agent, that the discussion was very clearly, at Geno’s age, what’s the best way we want to handle it. He’s a franchise icon, deserves to be treated with the utmost amount of respect, and we will always want to handle it the right way.
And the decision at that point was, there’s a break in the middle of the year or past midway point of year in February; let’s see how Geno feels at that point… When players get past their mid-30s… it’s not just an automatic they want return… There are number these types scenarios throughout league… For team important you handle them right way…
So … decided beginning year: would have check-in midway through season during Olympic break…”
He added: “From our perspective … communication with CAA … J.P Barry … Geno has been very clear – I think both terms way want handle it as continue proceed … what path is going be…
And I don’t think it benefits Geno or really benefits Pittsburgh Penguins for us lay all out publicly… other than say year Geno’s had has been spectacular for someone who’s 39 years old…”
Dubas praised Malkin’s leadership role within a group including younger Russian-speaking players such as Egor Chinakhov.
Regarding pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), Dubas explained: “I think as much as you’d want treat every single player exact same reality is market takes shape you’re aware what’s going available summer what marketplace going certain positions you have act…” He referenced Blake Lizotte’s situation earlier this season as an example where early re-signing made sense.
He continued: “…you’ve listed few players on team don’t have contracts next year… credit players Dan (Muse) staff never gets brought up… There’s been few teams last number years had great success lot pending free agents we’re hopeful become next line.”
When asked about potential acquisitions ahead of Friday’s deadline: “Well I think we feel good about where we’re at goal present future…
So terms acquisitions look both up front defense… ideal acquisition us will be player that’s their 20s closer mid-20s some team control either they’re signed or pending restricted free agent where they’re not rental…
That said if get closer Friday chance add someone who rental could look too…
We’ve already done lot moves throughout year add Stu Skinner Sam Girard Egor Chinakhov Ilya Solovyev group…”
The Pittsburgh Penguins remain one of hockey’s most recognized franchises with Hall of Fame contributors among its ranks according to their official website. The organization regularly qualifies for playoffs and division titles while maintaining deep community ties within Pittsburgh (source). Home games take place at PPG Paints Arena (source), under ownership by Fenway Sports Group (source).
