Finding the next head coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins remains uncertain two weeks after Mike Sullivan`s departure. The team and their long-serving bench boss recently parted ways, leaving a significant question mark over the team`s direction.
Out of the eight teams seeking new head coaches this off-season, two have already appointed someone: the New York Rangers quickly secured Sullivan, while the Anaheim Ducks hired seasoned coach Joel Quenneville last week. The list of available coaching positions this year offers considerable interest, particularly concerning the situation in Pittsburgh.
“Whoever gets this job, they’re gonna have patience,” commented Elliotte Friedman during a recent episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”. He added, “It’s a rebuild now — Kyle Dubas has said it’s a rebuild, so there’s not going to be immediate pressure to win right away, like some of these other jobs.”
General Manager Kyle Dubas`s selection for the coaching role will provide insight into the team`s future. The club, which initially seemed hesitant about a full rebuild, now appears ready to fully embrace the process. However, this is an unconventional rebuild scenario, given that the roster still features three players widely considered generational talents and future Hall of Famers. This unique blend makes the hiring process exceptionally compelling.
Friedman elaborated, “Whoever goes in there is going to be able to coach Crosby, is going to be able to coach Malkin — who’s probably headed into his last year — and Letang, all of whom are going to the Hall of Fame. And because of Crosby’s magic, you never count out the fact that maybe he drags this team farther than is expected.”
In this context, it`s natural to draw parallels between the current Penguins team and their coaching search and the Washington Capitals two years prior, when they hired Spencer Carbery in May 2023. On the surface, the similarities are noticeable.
“I had someone say to me they were kind of looking for the next Carbery,” Friedman noted, but countered by saying, “then someone else said to me, ‘I don’t think that’s the right way to put it.’”
Despite this, the comparison remains interesting, especially considering the long-standing connection between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.
