PITTSBURGH — A volcano of deals erupted around the NHL on Tuesday, started a couple of days earlier by Sunday’s Brady Tkachuk trade.Everyone seems to be getting in on the seismic moves. The Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Seattle Kraken have all made splashes within the last week. That’s more than one-third of the NHL. It’s been chaotic, and we haven’t even reached the NHL Draft or the start of free agency.Is it Kyle Dubas’ turn?The man who calls the shots for the Pittsburgh Penguins is in a fascinating position with a different boss for the first time in three years on the job.Dubas’ options are never-ending, but there doesn’t appear to be a simple path.Let’s assess the choices:• Dubas could essentially stand pat, knowing that he already has a decent roster with the expected arrival of goaltending prospect Sergei Murashov. Keep your playoff-caliber roster, let your prospects marinate another year, sprinkle in a bottom-six piece or two from AHL Wilkes-Barre, sign a free agent to replace Anthony Mantha and call it a summer.• Dubas could get aggressive on the market. Sure, it’s not a strong market, but good players are out there. The Penguins have nearly $40 million in cap space at their disposal. Everyone wants Sidney Crosby to have his happy ending, right? Give it to him without trading any of your prospects or draft picks.• Dubas could go “big-game hunting,” as one member of the organization told me that Dubas is eagerly hoping to do this summer. That person, as with other unnamed sources in this story, requested anonymity to discuss internal matters. It’s fairly well known that he fancies Jason Robertson. He’d be willing and able to pay him big money. Sure, there would be a hefty price, but you have to give something to get something. Robertson would be an immediate help for Crosby and would also be a foundational player even after the captain retires.
Penguins, Kyle Dubas quiet during flurry of NHL moves: Is this the calm before the storm?
Dubas and the Penguins have been eerily quiet during the chaos that has engulfed the NHL this week. It could mean something big is coming.











