Pittsburgh Penguins must make key decisions this offseason
Now that the Pittsburgh Penguins’ season is over, they must look ahead to the offseason and the tough decisions facing general manager Ray Shero.
They have some key players that they must decide on whether to sign or let go. Also, Dan Bylsma’s job could be in jeopardy as well. However, perhaps the biggest decision that the Penguins must make is on whether they should re-sign winger Pascal Dupuis.
May 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Pascal Dupuis (9) on the ice before playing the New York Islanders in game five of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dupuis easily had his best year of his career for the Penguins. He notched career highs in goals and points while playing on Sidney Crosby’s line. If Pittsburgh does not re-sign him, they will be in big trouble when it comes to attempting to replace him.
They could also elect to re-sign Craig Adams who was the Penguins’ best penalty killer. Although he rarely scores, he still can play lots of minutes on the PK.
Evgeni Malkin may be looking for a huge extension too, which isn’t surprising. He and Kris Letang are into the last years of their contracts and you better believe the Penguins will give Malkin a huge contract. It might not be the same for Letang who performed very poorly in these playoffs.
One of the biggest decisions Shero must make is the on the fate of Bylsma. Shero is expected to make a decision this week on whether to keep Bylsma or fire him, which I think would be a bad idea.
Jarome Iginla’s future is also big too. He will probably test the market along with Douglas Murray and Brenden Morrow.
My guess is they keep Iginla and Murray and let Morrow go. Morrow was on the fourth line a lot this postseason which doesn’t say a lot.
Will we see these players in the 2013-2014 season? Shero must make key decisions on who he wants on his team the next season, and they had better be good.