The Pittsburgh Penguins' new coach must bring a new perspective as well.

After weeks of speculation, the Pittsburgh Penguins finally pulled the trigger on firing associate coach Todd Reirden.

Reirden's dismissal is no shock to anyone who watched the Penguins' power play and defense operate this season. Whoever the Penguins hire as a replacement will inherit the 30th-ranked power play in the NHL and an expensive defense core that vastly underperformed in 2023-24.

An initial list of candidates all have ties to the Penguins in some form. Former San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn and Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan have an extensive history on and away from the ice. 

Meanwhile, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe and former Seattle Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol have similar ties to Kyle Dubas, having coached under him with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With Sullivan entering his tenth season with the Penguins and sixth since winning a series in the postseason, Dubas should avoid hiring Sullivan's close friends. The Penguins need new voices and perspectives in the locker room.

Hiring a familiar face in Quinn, Hakstol, or Keefe won't achieve that goal next season. Dubas and the Penguins need to steer clear of the comfortable hire and seek to bring in someone who will challenge Sullivan and the Penguins' way of thinking.

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