An Unexpected name pops up as the front-runner for the Pittsburgh Penguins GM vacancy

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TJ Tucker
May 27, 2023 (8:02 PM)

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Ever since the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to part ways with general manager Kyle Dubas, his name has been brought up in every conversation regarding a new GM in Pittsburgh. However, a new report has another person in the running for the role that is an off-the-board pick.

The Candidate

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Penguins' GM job belongs to Dubas, as long a that what he wants. However, if Dubas decides he wants some time off, or has something completely different in mind, Pittsburgh will take a swing at the current Director of Hockey Operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Mathieu Darche.

"I still do think if not Dubas, Darche is in the picture, I don't know if there is anyone else, but I think Darche is in the picture, like I said a couple of times this week, I think it's Dubas' job if he wants it, it's obviously not closed yet." - Elliotte Friedman

Darche's Career

Darche was never drafted in the NHL, but did play 250 regular season games anyway. He started with the Columbus Blue Jackets, then made his way to the Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, the Lightning and then the Montreal Canadiens, where he finished his career. In 2013, he attended the New Jersey Devils training camp on a tryout, and was asked to stay. He decided to retire instead. He became the Hockey Ops Director with Tampa in 2019. Before breaking into the NHL, Darche earned a Commerce Degree from McGill University.

Darche has the background, but he can't compete with the experience Dubas has. Everything hems on whether Dubas sees himself as a good fit with the Pittsburgh Penguins and whether this is the right time.