Dubas’ Trade Strategy: Out with the Old, In with the New
The Penguins are off to a rough start, to say the least. Over their last six games, they’re 0-5-1 and now sit at the bottom of the division, ranking 31st in the league, just above the Sharks. At this rate, they’re looking like a lottery team.
So, what should the Penguins do? Fire the coach? Most coaches would’ve been fired for less, so what’s the holdup?
Well, according to sources within the organization, Fenway Sports Group (the Penguins’ current owners) view Mike Sullivan as their “Bill Belichick.” So, his seat isn’t exactly hot—more like lukewarm. And you can’t exactly trade the core players like Crosby, Malkin, and Letang, who will all retire as Penguins.
But, you can force Mike Sullivan to play a team that fits his fast pace forechecking style better via trading “away” some players. As Sullivan has a predisposition for rotten old geezers. Which he calls “Veteran respect”.
Okay. I may be a bit facetious there, but seriously, Jeff Carter had no business being as high in the line up and playing as many minutes for as long as he did.
To make matters worse, this roster has a ton of no-movement clauses, courtesy of our old friend Ron Hextall.