Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Finally Addresses the Media After a Busy Trade Deadline

State of the Penguins

Following a year of building up assets and losing cap room, now it can be used to complete the roster.

They have so many draft picks that they should be able to wheel and deal some of them down the road. Free agency can also be used but with caution.

Rickard Rakell and Matt Grzelcyk

Rickard Rakell was very popular among teams, but considering his contract and how he performed, Dubas didn't feel it was in the best interest of the team to trade him. Teams 'kicked the tires' on Matt Grzelcyk but nothing materialized.

'You don't just push that out the door...You have to do what's right for the Pittsburgh Penguins and for us keeping Rickard Rakell was a part of that'

- Kyle Dubas

Erik Karlsson's Future

Dubas did say that Karlsson was signed when the team was still in contention, which is now a window they've lost. He is, though, a great player. That was all the Dubas said on Karlsson, leaving lots of speculation going into the offseason.

Team Message

Dubas said there is a 'gigantic opportunity' for short-term signed players to prove to management they are committed. He identified Conor Timmons, Connor Dewar, and Tommy Novak as the players who can make this pitch to their coaches.

'Certain standard for the team and we expect that to be upheld. Come in and play hard, train. There's a number of guys with a lot to play for'

- Kyle Dubas

Future Outlook

Instead of an aging core, Dubas is trying to surround key players such as Bryan Rust and Rakell in particular, with more youth. He will not be hurrying to use up all of the prospects and draft picks this off-season but rather seek out bright ones.

His goal is to give veterans an opportunity to compete once more, however, no timetable is provided.