How Dan Muse Might Reshape the Penguins' Forward Group
For the first time in a decade, the Pittsburgh Penguins will have a new head coach behind the bench. They let go of long-time head coach Mike Sullivan in April after the Penguins failed to qualify for the playoffs for a third-straight season.
It was a shocking decision since Sullivan had told the media right after the season that he was already starting to prepare for next season. The decision wasn’t made lightly, and it was something Penguins general manager and president Kyle Dubas confirmed that he had been considering for a while.
"I talked to him every day throughout the year, and worked together every day throughout the year, and there were times throughout the year where I started to think that it may just be time for a number of reasons," Penguins general manager and president Kyle Dubas told reporters regarding the decision. "It's a lot to ask of somebody when they've done such a long and successful job here to be managing that and continue to transition the team through."
Sullivan was hired by the New York Rangers less than a week later, before the Penguins hired Dan Muse in June. This is Muse’s first NHL head-coaching gig, and he will be tasked with developing the Penguins’ young players and still getting the most out of their veterans.
A new coach means fresh, innovative ideas, and Muse will surely bring some to the table during his tenure. It also means there’s an opportunity to really experiment with the line combinations throughout the year.
Right now, the Penguins have a surplus of forwards, but that can change at a moment’s notice. They are still engaged in trade talks regarding Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, but haven’t gotten any offers that are good enough to move either player. Kevin Hayes, Noel Acciari, and Danton Heinen are also still on the team even though there’s a chance at least one of them could be moved before the season, too.
With or without trades, Muse will have ample opportunities to review various lines. We all…
