Penguins GM Job Continues to be Coveted Position
Despite the team's struggles, the role of general manager for the Pittsburgh Penguins is and will continue to be a sought after one.
The Pittsburgh Penguins made the right choice when they dismissed the executive leadership team of Ron Hextall, Chris Pryor, and Brian Burke. The trio did a poor job managing the Penguins' roster and giving their aging superstars a supporting cast worthy of a playoff run, and they've paid the price for it. In the aftermath of their firing, the vacant general manager position has been condemned as an unwanted position. But is that really the case?
The short answer is, no. Despite some media claims that the position doesn't have the same attraction as it once did, that couldn't be further from the truth. Are the Penguins the upcoming dynasty they once were? Of course not. Does that mean there is no one willing to take over and guide the waning years of their stars' careers? Absolutely not, and there are two huge reasons why.
1.) The Chance to Win
The mandate from Fenway Sports Group, the new ownership team, is simple: while Sidney Crosby is here, we try to win. The mandate isn't "make poor personnel decisions and mismanage contracts in the name of improving the team," which was clearly the guiding principal of Hextall's tenure. The new general manager will be directed to improve this team while maintaining an upward trajectory for the team's future. Those two ideas are not only compatible, but essential for the core three to play meaningful hockey for the next few seasons and for the Penguins to remain competitive after that.
What executive wouldn't want the opportunity to work with and build around Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang for not only another cup run, but also the chance to set up their organizational success for years to come? There are three organizations currently without a permanent general manager: the Philadelphia Flyers, the Calgary Flames, and the Penguins.
With all due respect, what prospective general manager would prefer to oversee the train wrecks that are currently happening in Calgary or Philadelphia over the situation in Pittsburgh? The Pens may not be the faces of the league anymore, but they possess a core of players more talented and decorated than nearly any other core in the league. And the trio can still play, make no doubts about it.
What may frighten some prospective general managing candidates is the bottom half of the roster. Simply put, it needs a complete makeover with the exception of Ryan Poehling and Drew O'Connor. But there are still key pieces to build around that aren't named Crosby, Malkin, or Letang. Jake Guentzel and Rickard Rakell are 30 goal scorers and important leaders on the ice. PO Joseph and Ty Smith are both under 25 years of age and can be top 4 defensemen for the Penguins moving forward. Marcus Pettersson is a 26 year old defenseman with a moderate contract and an impressive defensive ability. Poehling is a young forward who is one of the fastest players in the league, still learning how to harness his two-way game, and managed to be a breakout penalty killer for the black and gold.
It may not be Stanley Cup worthy at this moment, but this roster and organization aren't good as dead quite yet. The next general manager isn't coming in to tend to a wounded duck and usher in a slew of high draft selections as the Penguins limp into the league's basement. Instead, the new general manager, whoever that ends up being, has a simple directive: improve the team with younger depth, and you'll almost certainly see better results.
2.) The Chance to Correct the Goaltending
Whoever becomes the next general manager has a golden opportunity to salvage the twilight of three hall of fame players' careers. The challenges associated with this team are not a mystery. When a general manager takes over, it usually takes time to uncover the deeper issues of the team and organization before improving them. That isn't the case with the Penguins, not if you've witnessed even 20 minutes of this past season. No, the problems with the Penguins are obvious, apparent, and also very solvable. They may take some time and it won't be an easy overnight fix, but the Penguins can certainly compete again with their core trio. They just need someone competent and determined enough to help guide them there.
And what the Penguins need the most guidance on is improving their goaltending situation. Hats off to Tristan Jarry, he has the determination of a lion, but he isn't the Stanley Cup caliber goaltender the Penguins desperately need for a lengthy playoff run. His backup, Casey DeSmith, may continue to find a role as a backup in Pittsburgh, but that's all he is capable of. The next general manager can not only put his stamp on a Penguins roster that is already being cast aside by so many, they can also restore consistency and belief in Pittsburgh's netminder.
The next general manager of the Penguins will be tasked with an uphill battle, but they will be an undoubted upgrade over the former regime. There's no doubting there are myriad qualified candidates that are interested right now, and there will only be more as the postseason continues. The reason why is simple: managing the Penguins is still one of the most sought after positions in the NHL.
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