The Pittsburgh Penguins made a plethora of moves this summer in hopes of being able to compete for the Stanley Cup. From bringing in Kyle Dubas from the Toronto Maple Leafs to become the newest GM to him acquiring D Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks and the number of signings he made on July 1st, things seemed to be looking up for the Penguins after failing to make the playoffs last season.
However, with 27 games to play, the Penguins are nine points out of the second wild-card spot. With the Penguins in this spot, people have started to question the moves Dubas made in his first few months as Penguins GM.
In the latest episode of the DFO Rundown, Frank Seravalli let his opinions be known on what Dubas did this offseason.
Seravalli asked if Noel Acciari or Lars Eller has been the worst signing for the Penguins.
That was just the beginning for Frank.
He then said that people need to start discussing Dubas’ ability to evaluate players. He then named the Karlsson trade, Reilly Smith trade, Acciari and Eller signings, as well as his waiver claims, as examples.
Now for my opinion. I do think Karlsson is over-hated this season. Most Pittsburgh fans knew we were not going to get 100+ points out of Karlsson, but he still has managed to put up a number of points this season, and has played very well most nights. Now, Smith may have not worked out, but he is going to get moved before next Friday. Next, Eller and Acciari have not been anything special, but they have been solid on the third and fourth lines this season.
Seravalli then went on and started bashing the waiver claims Dubas has made this season.
Following that, Frank started questioning the Tristan Jarry contract.
Now, Jarry has been one of the most consistent Penguins this season. Jarry has looked very well and has saved the Penguins in several games this season. He has a league-high six shutouts and respectable numbers. Jarry could easily be up for the starting goalie role for Team Canada in the future.
Now, Dubas has made it known that he is looking to get younger, and rumor has it several players could be on the move in the next week and a half. However, the Pens have won their last two games. If they keep this up, they will be right back in the battle for the final wild-card spot.
