Pittsburgh Penguins aging roster: Dubas or Sullivan to blame for current issues?

Sullivan, who took the reins as head coach in December 2015, inherited a team with an average age of 27.13, setting the stage for his tenure marked by significant managerial transitions.

The departure of Jim Rutherford in 2021 paved the way for Patrik Allvin and subsequently Ron Hextall, coinciding with a noticeable uptick in the team's average age, soaring to 29.54 prior to the 2022-23 season.

In contrast, Kyle Dubas assumed the role of General Manager in June 2023, confronting an even more seasoned lineup, positioning the Penguins among the NHL's elder statesmen.

Rankings from sources like Elite Prospects place them second at 29.79, closely trailing the Edmonton Oilers, while Bleacher Report Open Ice asserts their top spot.

Dubas, in his inaugural season at the helm, has begun integrating promising prospects into the lineup, a departure from Sullivan's preference for veteran-laden squads.

Sullivan's coaching pedigree, highlighted by his tenure in Boston, reflects a historical inclination towards experienced rosters. During his time with the Bruins from 2003 to 2006, Sullivan oversaw a lineup with an average age of 27.55, featuring notable young talents like Patrice Bergeron and Joe Thornton. However, his teams seldom fielded more than nine skaters under the age of 25 in any given season, a trend mirrored during his tenure with the Penguins.

Conversely, Dubas' tenure as GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs showcased a fluctuating approach to team age rankings, ranging from 17th to as low as 28th youngest in the league. His strategy of blending youthful exuberance with established stars aimed to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term sustainability, a philosophy now under scrutiny in Pittsburgh.

As debates intensify within the Penguins' front office and fanbase alike, each passing day prompts the fanbase to ponder the future of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang�core players who have skated together for two decades.

Pittsburgh faces a critical choice: infuse youth into the lineup to sustain its competitive edge or risk seeing these franchise icons play in games lacking significance as their careers wind down.

Source: The Hockey News
Who Is Holding the Penguins Back More, Sullivan or Dubas?