Kyle Dubas almost completely rebuilt the depth of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and any of their struggles falls on him.

The Pittsburgh Penguins entered the 2023-24 season with extremely high expectations spurred on in part by a revamped group of depth in every area of the organization.

Incoming president and general manager Kyle Dubas made it a mission of his to add a robust group of fresh faces that can take huge strides past where the Penguins depth felt last season.

In certain areas, the depth has made the right moves, but there has been a severe lack of useful production that has forced the top guys to once again carry almost all of the load.

The new depth additions haven’t brought enough to the table, and according to Dubas, that’s on him.

There is still opportunity for the depth options to step up considering a number of injuries that have piled up, but if they fall short, Dubas vows to take the blame.

“That's on me," Dubas said. "We haven't found the right mix of guys to take advantage of it. If we have a depth issue, that falls on my shoulders and should be held against me more than anybody else.”

Noel Acciari is a new arrival that has found good use and can be a difference maker, but he’s injured right now and won’t move the needle night in and night out.

Radim Zohorna stepped up in a huge way when he was recalled, but things have cooled off substantially for the sizable forward.

Jonathan Gruden and Marc Johnstone were recalled for their crack at the roster, but again, they’re not really needle movers.

Anything is possible, however, and Dubas is looking forward to see what kind of difference certain players may make.

“I'm excited for the guys that are in those opportunities to take advantage of it and roll with it,” Dubas said. “But if they don't, then it's up to me to act and try to us other guys who can.”

Jesse Puljujarvi seems like he can be a viable option for both youth and size in the depth, but it might be a process getting him integrated into the lineup.

Dubas is excited and confident in his recent additions, but doesn’t seem afraid to pull the trigger on guys quickly and find other options for the Penguins.

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