Penguins News: Dubas Names Himself GM

Kyle Dubas made it official today, anointing himself as the Penguins’ general manager. A role he’s filled in an interim capacity since being named the club’s president of hockey operations on June 1.

“At this time, I feel it is best for continuity that I formally continue in both roles, as president and general manager in the hockey operations department,” he said. “We will continue to reevaluate the GM position alongside all others in future offseasons to ensure that we are optimizing all facets of the department.”

It was thought Dubas might tap his assistant GM in Toronto, Brandon Pridham, to fill the Pens’ GM post. However, the Leafs have turned down requests from other teams to speak with Pridham, a noted cap wizard.

Too, it appears assistant general manager Jason Spezza is being groomed for a larger role down the road.

In other front-office news, Andy Saucier was promoted to director of player personnel. Erik Heasley was named director of minor league and amateur scouting operations.

In a move that was previously announced, Amanda Kessel (Phil’s sister) will serve as a special assistant to the president of hockey operations and general manager. Cup-winning defenseman Trevor Daley was appointed to the same post.