The contracts of Head Coach J.D. Forrest and Assistant Coach Kevin Porter will not be renewed.
As for the NHL group, Head Coach Mike Sullivan is considered safe for now, but his assistants may be in hot water. Thereโs speculation about potential coaching replacements, including candidates like J.D. Forrest, Jay Leach, Mark Savard, and Mike Vellucci7.
Itโs clear that Dubas is signaling a change of direction for the organization, and these coaching changes may only be the beginning. His vision for the organization includes infusing youth, speed, and skill into the roster to cultivate a competitive team in the seasons ahead. This aligns with his previous work in Toronto, where he had a strong focus on building a successful farm system.
It will indeed be fascinating to see the direction Dubas and Assistant General Manager Jason Spezza take with this upcoming hire. The new coaching hire for the WBS Penguins could potentially be the person who eventually replaces Mike Sullivan as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. This is a critical juncture for the Penguins, and these decisions will likely shape the future of the organization.
This decision comes after the WBS Penguins lost their first-round playoff matchup to the Philadelphia Phantoms. Itโs important to note that the WBS Penguins have struggled with talent for several years, and the current coaching staff was not hired by Kyle Dubasโ front office.
While the coaching may have been adequate given the available players over the years, they were from a different front office. Itโs understandable that Dubas would want to rebuild the WBS Penguins in line with his vision.
One of the strengths of the Toronto organization, where Dubas previously served, was the Toronto Marlies, who consistently fielded good teams. They were a regular playoff team and often had decent runs.
As the Penguins move into an era where they will be focusing on building their prospects and farm system rather than using it for immediate NHL roster help, now is the time to make changes.
The new coaching hire for the WBS Penguins will be particularly notable, as they could potentially be the person who eventually replaces Mike Sullivan as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Penguins have a history of this, with Michael Therrien, Dan Bylsma, and Mike Sullivan all having followed this path. In Toronto, Sheldon Keefe was the Marlies coach before he eventually took over the Maple Leafs under Dubas.
It will be fascinating to see the direction Dubas and Jason Spezza, the assistant general manager, take with this upcoming hire.