PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins are in the first year of Kyle Dubas as their president and general manager, and it’s safe to say they are falling well short of expectations. One of Dubas’ first moves with the Penguins was to add Erik Karlsson to the blue line, expressing total commitment to pursuing another Stanley Cup in Pittsburgh.
With under 30 games to play, however, the Penguins are still outside of a playoff spot, and their postseason hopes are hanging on by a thread. This lack of certainty has made many question Dubas’ decision-making to start his Penguins tenure.
Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff was extra harsh in his assessment of Dubas. In the most recent episode of the DFO Rundown, Seravalli had a few questions about Dubas.
“What’s the worst signing for the Penguins,” Seravalli asked. “Noel Acciari for three years at $2.5 million? Or Lars Eller, two years at $2.45 million?”
Seravalli wasn’t done there and continued bashing the Penguins' off-season additions.
“I think we should really call into question Kyle Dubas’ player evaluation,” Seravalli said. “Erik Karlsson trade, Reilly Smith trade, Lars Eller, Noel Acciari, waiver claims.”
In defense of Dubas, Karlsson has been a fantastic member of the Penguins roster and continues to be disrespected by many. Smith hasn’t worked, but Dubas is already working on finding him a new home. Eller and Acciari haven’t been over-the-top great but are perfectly dependable for the roles they are playing.
Seravalli wasn’t done and continued to list the waiver additions Dubas had made.
“Tell me what’s impressive,” Seravalli said. “The Tristan Jarry contract?”
Jarry could represent Team Canada at upcoming international tournaments, so it’s safe to say the Penguins knocked that one out of the park. It was unexpected, but Jarry has been great.
There has been talk of Dubas ready to tear down most of the Penguins roster, including the goalies, but if they keep finding ways to win, they’ll be right back in the hunt.
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