Insider expects Penguins to pursue former Maple Leafs GM

After parting with the Toronto Maple Leafs, former general manager Kyle Dubas may soon have an interested suitor. 

On Saturday, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said he expects the Pittsburgh Penguins to ask the Maple Leafs for permission to speak with Dubas, who is technically under contract until June 30. 

"At the very least now, I think they're going to reach out and ask and see, gauge what his interest is," Friedman said. "I don't know what that answer to that question is, but I do think the Penguins are going to reach out to at least get permission to talk to him and see where he is." 

Following the Leafs' second-round exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs, Dubas and the team surprisingly agreed to part ways. Dubas, undoubtedly worn out from the long year, was unable to commit to Toronto past this season, which ultimately led to Leafs president Brendan Shanahan and the team walking away. 

In five seasons with the Maple Leafs, Dubas emerged as one of the league's brightest young minds, so he's bound to get a lot of attention from GM-needy clubs. However, Dubas told reporters Wednesday that he wouldn't take another job if it weren't with the Leafs. With some potential interest coming from Pittsburgh, seeing if Dubas changes his tune will be interesting. 

The core of past Stanley Cup wins, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, remain in Pittsburgh, making the Penguins job intriguing league-wide. However, after missing the playoffs for the first time in 16 years, there will be expectations for a quick turnaround with the clock ticking on the team's veteran stars. 

We'll have to wait and see if Dubas is up for that challenge. However, until then, this probably won't be the last word on Dubas and the Penguins.