Penguins President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas put a cap on the 2025-26 season yesterday, and he had a lot to say about what needs to happen for the Pens to take the next step toward competing for a Stanley Cup.
In a half-hour chat with the media, Dubas said this season’s American Hockey League Calder Cup playoff results for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton will have a lot to do with next season’s Penguins roster, mentioning specifically 22-year-old goalie Sergei Murashov, who led Wilkes to a first-round win over Hershey. He said he fully expects Murashov and Joel Blomqvist to compete for a roster spot this fall.
The goalie situation will inform the Penguins on whether or not they seek to re-sign veteran Stuart Skinner, and Dubas said there are many other young prospects who will influence his decision-making over the summer.
The biggest decision, of course, is whether or not to bring back Evgeni Malkin for a 21st season. Dubas said he’s already had talks with Malkin’s agent, J.P. Barry.
Dubas says despite the Pens making the playoffs, they are not among the top tier in the NHL.
Dubas believes free agents would be wise to consider the Penguins, who have a lot going for them.
Whoever does or does not make the roster in the fall, Dubas says he’s always known he’ll take the blame when star players leave.
Hockey Canada yesterday announced that Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will skate for his country again in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships, which begins this week in Switzerland. It’s the second straight year that the Canadian Olympic Team captain will play in the tournament.
Crosby will be joined by Penguins teammate Parker Wotherspoon while Team USA has Penguins Tommy Novak and Connor Clifton on their roster.
Team USA plays in Group A against Switzerland on Friday afternoon, while Team Canada plays in Group B against Sweden later that night.
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