The Pittsburgh Penguins might have a perfect fit for general manager in Sam Ventura.

The rumor around the Pittsburgh Penguins has been that Fenway Sports Group could be nearing the end of their search for replacements within the front office.

Just over a month after the firings of Ron Hextall, Brian Burke, and Chris Pryor, the Penguins may be close to seeing new faces.

Ever since the final buzzer went on the season, names of possible candidates have been floated.

Fans have had their eyes on Eric Tulsky; Kyle Dubas just about squashed any chance of him leaving the Toronto Maple Leafs; Marc Bergevin and Jason Botterill reportedly went through the first round of interviews.

A name that hasn’t been mentioned as much, but could be an under the radar choice is Pittsburgh native Sam Ventura.

Currently the vice president of hockey strategy and research for the Buffalo Sabres, Ventura would fit the role perfectly not only in the eyes of the Penguins, but also Fenway Sports Group (FSG).

In the few days following the former regime’s departure, it was reported that FSG wants to take the Penguins front office in a more analytically driven route.

Not just in who they hire as GM, but the possibility of filling out an entirely new analytics department; Ventura can fit that kind of role perfectly.

Ventura worked in the Penguins’ front office for six years and before being hired by the Sabres, he was Pittsburgh’s director of analytics and later the director of hockey operations and hockey research.

A voice like Ventura would not only build the Penguins in an analytically driven direction, but he would have a lot of say in the hiring process for more analytics minds.

Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff says he hasn’t heard Ventura’s name among interview candidates, but the connection there is perfect.

Ventura has played a huge role for a Sabres team that has rebuilt stronger than ever and could be a real competitor in the NHL Playoffs next season.

The Sabres went 42-33-7 in the 2022-23 season and had a number of breakout stars throughout the roster.

From Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Rasmus Dahlin, and the revitalization of Jeff Skinner, the Sabres had nothing short of a spectacular year.

If Ventura is eyeing a higher role in the NHL, this could be a perfect match.

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