Penguins Update: Waiting on a Coach

Hey all. Guess I’ve been guilty of sitting on my hands (or keyboard if you prefer), awaiting the announcement of the next Penguins coach.

According to reports, current NHL assistants Mitch Love (Caps), D.J. Smith (Kings), our own David Quinn and ex-Oilers bench boss Jay Woodcroft are among the finalists, with Love and Smith the front runners.

While we await a decision, I thought I’d scrape together a mish-mash article.

Rossi Redux?

When rumors first surfaced the Pens might have an interest in Wild center Marco Rossi, I was dismissive. Mostly because of the 23-year-old’s size (or lack of).

Adding a 5’9” 182-pound pivot to a lineup already lacking in size and jam just didn’t seem prudent, especially at what’s likely to be a premium price.

However, I’ll be the first to admit I can draw too hard a line in the sand when it comes to the size issue. And Rossi undoubtedly can play and produce, to the tune of 45 goals over the past two seasons and 60 points in ’24-25. Too, one observer likened him to a pocket version Sidney Crosby in terms of body type and physique.

Who wouldn’t want a mini-Sid, right?

Of course, there’s the not-so-small matter of cost. Wild GM Bill Guerin may demand a first-round pick and/or a player of comparable pedigree. Were Kyle Dubas to strike a deal, he’d still need to sign the pending RFA, and likely at a substantial hike over his current $863K.

Another RFA rumored to be on the Pens’ radar? The Sabres’ German-born sniper, J.J. Peterka.

The 23-year-old left wing, who popped 55 goals over the past two seasons, apparently has grown weary of the losing situation in Buffalo. Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is said to be seeking established veteran talent in return.

Perhaps a Rickard Rakell or Bryan Rust?

Based on age alone, such a deal would hardly seem equitable. I’d guess Adams would also demand a premium draft pick or prospect as part of the deal.

While we’re at it, Sabres RFA defenseman Bowen Byram may also be in play. Might the Pens part with Rakell or Rust and a certain high-profile former Norris Trophy winner for Peterka and Byram?

Yes, I just entered The Twilight Zone…or The Outer Limits.

Wax On, Wax Off

The Pens executed a Mr. Miyagi move over the weekend, signing one of their 2023 draftees to an entry level contract while relinquishing the rights to another.

On the wax-on side, Dubas inked 20-year-old Russian forward Mikhail Ilyin to an ELC. A 6’3” 191-pound, left-handed shooting right wing with outstanding hockey sense and playmaking chops, Ilyin caused a stir by tallying 30 points (7+23) for Cherepovets of the KHL season, one of only eight teenagers in the history of the league to do so. Impressive, indeed.

If there’s a weakness in the former fifth-round pick’s game, it’s skating.

In the wax-off department, the Pens elected to pass on sixth-round pick Cooper Foster. Projected as a two-way center, Foster apparently didn’t develop to our liking. He’ll be eligible for this season’s draft.

For the record, his name reminds me of a Big-Four accounting firm.

If you haven’t done so already, check out Dan Kingerski’s article, Penguins Opportunity; Better RFAs and Salary Dumps Highlight Trade Boards on PHN. Dan does a terrific job of detailing what our offseason options might be.