# **Understand Pittsburgh Penguins’ Kyle Dubas right choice as he aims to make the team younger and faster, released six-free agents this offseason…Details In Comment**
Understanding Kyle Dubas’ Vision: Why the Penguins’ Youth Movement Makes Sense
The Pittsburgh Penguins, once a perennial Stanley Cup contender, have entered a critical phase of transformation. After missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, something that hadn’t happened in nearly two decades, the franchise has handed the reins to a younger, forward-thinking executive: Kyle Dubas. Appointed President of Hockey Operations and General Manager in 2023, Dubas comes with a clear vision—infuse youth and speed into a team that has long leaned on aging superstars.
This offseason, Dubas made headlines by letting go of six unrestricted free agents, a move that signals a decisive shift from the Penguins’ traditionally veteran-heavy roster. While parting ways with familiar names might unsettle some fans, these decisions reflect a broader strategy rooted in sustainability, competitiveness, and the harsh realities of the modern NHL. The question on everyone’s mind is: Is Dubas making the right choices?
The Need for Change
For years, the Penguins built their identity around Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang—players who delivered three Stanley Cups between 2009 and 2017. However, time waits for no one. As these icons enter the twilight of their careers, the lack of NHL-ready young talent has become glaringly apparent. In recent seasons, Pittsburgh’s depth has faltered. Their speed—once a hallmark of their success—no longer gives them an edge.
Dubas recognizes that the path to becoming competitive again doesn’t run through nostalgia or sentimentality. It runs through recalibration.
The Six Departures: A Calculated Gamble
This offseason, Dubas chose not to re-sign six free agents: Alex Nedeljkovic, Jansen Harkins, Vinnie Hinostroza, Andreas Johnsson, Libor Hajek, and Mark Pysyk. None of these names were franchise-altering pieces, but their exit signals a purge of roster redundancy and a shift away from patchwork lineups of fringe veterans.
Alex Nedeljkovic, while reliable in short bursts, was never going to be the long-term answer in net behind Tristan Jarry.
Hinostroza and Johnsson brought speed but lacked consistent offensive production.
Harkins and Hajek were depth options who couldn’t crack the regular lineup consistently.
Pysyk, dealing with injuries, was a low-risk flyer who never gained momentum.
By letting these players walk, Dubas clears not only roster space but cap flexibility and opportunities for younger, hungrier players.
A Vision of Youth and Speed
Dubas’ reputation from his Toronto Maple Leafs tenure centered around building a skill-first, fast-paced lineup. He wasn’t afraid to trust younger players in big moments. That same philosophy is now being applied in Pittsburgh.
Fans are already seeing prospects like Vasily Podkolzin, Brayden Yager, and Owen Pickering in the system, and Dubas seems poised to give them opportunities to crack the NHL roster sooner rather than later. Additionally, Dubas is expected to target under-25 talent via trades and low-risk, high-reward signings in free agency.
Speed and transition play have become paramount in today’s NHL. Teams like the Colorado Avalanche and New Jersey Devils have shown how youth and pace can translate into immediate success. The Penguins, under Dubas, are trying to emulate that model while leveraging their existing core.
Balancing the Old with the New
Perhaps the most delicate part of Dubas’ task is navigating the final years of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang while simultaneously building for the future. These legends have earned the right to compete, and the front office owes them a competitive team. But Dubas isn’t just trying to squeeze one more run out of a fading core—he’s trying to ensure that when the torch is passed, there are capable hands to catch it.
Expect Dubas to continue supplementing the roster with young, high-motor players who can support the stars, not just ride along with them. The next few seasons may not be smooth, but if done correctly, they could set the franchise up for long-term relevance.
Conclusion: A Difficult but Necessary Path
Change is rarely comfortable, especially in sports where emotional attachments run deep. Dubas’ decision to part ways with six free agents and emphasize youth and speed is not just a trend—it’s a necessity. The NHL is getting younger and faster. The Penguins, to remain relevant, must do the same.
While it’s too early to judge the full impact of his decisions, Dubas’ approach reflects a boldness and clarity of vision that had been missing in Pittsburgh’s recent management. He’s not afraid to make tough calls, and most importantly, he’s not afraid to build for the future—even if that means moving on from the past.
If given time and support, Kyle Dubas might just be the right man to guide the Penguins into their next great era.