Penguins Promote Allvin to Assistant GM

I’m tempted to make some sort of clever reference to Alvin and the Chipmunks of cartoon and music fame. But most of our readers probably wouldn’t have a clue what I’m talking about. So…on to the post.

Amid unprecedented presidential election confusion, turmoil and skullduggery, Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford quietly made his latest in a seemingly endless series of off-season moves. Patrik Allvin, most recently the team’s director of amateur scouting, was promoted to the post of assistant general manager…vacated when Jason Karmanos was abruptly dismissed on October 26.

For the 46-year-old Allvin, it’s the culmination of a long, steady climb up the organizational ladder. He joined the black and gold in 2006 as a European scout under former GM Ray Shero before serving as the club’s director of European scouting from 2012-17 prior to attaining his most recent position.

“Patrik has made a lot of contributions during his 14 years with Pittsburgh, and has proven to be a valuable asset for us,” Rutherford said. “We’ve been impressed with his hockey knowledge and work ethic, and I look forward to working more closely with him.”

Not coincidentally, the Pens have drafted more players from Europe in recent years, including goalies Joel Blomqvist and Calle Clang and forward Valtteri Puustinen.

It was thought by some that former Chicago and Florida GM Dale Tallon, an outstanding judge of young talent with a proven track record at the draft table, might join the Pens. However, other clubs have expressed an interest in Tallon as well.

In a related move, Sam Ventura, former director of hockey research will assume the title of director of hockey operations. 

Kahun Signs with the Oilers

Yes, I know. I need to get over it. And this is absolutely the last time I’ll bring up Dominik Kahun, at least in an article. But it still galls me to no end that GMJR didn’t make a serious push to sign him…especially since Edmonton locked up the Czech-born forward at a very favorable $975,000. A marginal increase over what we paid him last season.

I’ve sung Kahun’s praises on numerous occasions. But don’t take my word for it. Here’s what Matt Larkin of The Hockey News had to say.

“Depending on where he plays in their (Edmonton’s) lineup in 2020-21, Kahun has potential to end up as the steal of the off-season.”

“The solid depth roles he filled in Chicago and then, via trade, Pittsburgh and Buffalo don’t really do Kahun justice. He’s more than just a stopgap. Relative to his ice time, he’s been one of the more productive players in the league across his first two NHL seasons. During that stretch, 340 forwards have played 1,000 or more minutes at 5-on-5, and Kahun ranks 60th in points per 60, which easily rates him as a top-six forward. He’s 25th in primary assists per 60, indicating he’s a high-end play creator. His teams outscore opponents 87-64 with him on the ice at 5-on-5 so far in his career. His most common linemates in Chicago were Alex DeBrincat and Jonathan Toews, but Kahun rarely got much run with Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh, so Kahun doesn’t qualify as someone whose numbers have been padded by keeping elite company. He’s also faced tough competition in his career. For a snapshot: his most commonly forward faced is Nathan MacKinnon, and his most commonly faced defenseman is Alex Pietrangelo. Kahun’s list of opponents is dotted with big names.”

Okay, I’m done whining. I promise (fingers crossed behind my back).