The Pittsburgh Penguins are getting closer to Kyle Dubas' vision after firing their associate coach.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins offseason overhaul continues as the action moves behind the bench. General manager Kyle Dubas announced that the Penguins parted ways with assistant coach Todd Reirden.

This was a necessary move for the Penguins, as the coaching staff clearly needs a shakeup. The team hasn’t made its intentions clear with fellow assistant Mike Vellucci, but either way, Mike Sullivan will have some new additions to his staff in 2024-25. So, what does this mean for the Penguins?

Firstly, it’s an acknowledgment of the team’s failures. Reirden was in charge of two of the team’s problem areas: the power play and defense. The team finished 30th with the man advantage, surrendered 12 short-handed goals, and couldn’t figure out a way to incorporate one of the league’s best special teams players, Erik Karlsson.

Similarly, the defense failed to live up to expectations. Karlsson had a solid season but was a huge step back from the 100-point season the year prior. Newcomer Ryan Graves looked out of place the entire season, as well.

Secondly, and more importantly, it’s another step in Dubas' vision to take over this organization. When Dubas entered his position, it was clear that the organization would be rebuilt in more ways than one under his guidance. What else can you assume after he was given such a lengthy commitment from the Fenway Sports Group? 

There were roadblocks to this becoming Dubas' team. He arrived and was greeted by a firmly-in-place head coach who had support from the ownership group. Reirden was one of Sullivan and the Penguins’ trusted assistants over two stints in Pittsburgh. The roster was filled with holdovers from the failed Ron Hextall era. 

One season later, many of those roadblocks are out of the way. Dubas shipped out three of the team's worst contracts when he made his first big swing and acquired Karlsson. The administrative and executive leadership team around him completely differs from just a few years ago, clearing house and completely separating from his predecessor's mistakes. 

And now, Dubas is being given the reins in another way. Not only is he tasked with retooling the roster and team operations, but he’s also entrusted with upgrading the coaching staff in the same summer. It's a move that suggests the unwavering faith Fenway Sports Group once had in Mike Sullivan is now placed in Dubas.

With Reirden's firing, Dubas gets another chance to leave his mark in Pittsburgh. This personnel move is one of many to come this summer. Whether this organization and its fans like it or not, these moves cement this team as being firmly in the hands of the general manager. 

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