Kyle Dubas Attempts to Win Fans Over by Hiring Fan Favourite

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TJ Tucker
March 21, 2024 (7:02 PM)

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Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas may be looking to have a favourite player return to the team

Whether it's mismanagement, or simply not being able to make the changes necessary with what he was left with, Kyle Dubas's first year as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins is a disappointing one for fans and the ownership group of the team. After replacing both Brian Burke and Ron Hextall in their respective roles after they were fired for missing the playoffs last season, Dubas is set to do the exact same thing, while also shipping away Jake Guentzel in the process. Many followers of the team aren't happy, but Dubas may have an ace up his sleeve to win them over.

According to Penguins Insider Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Dubas is ready to hire Jaromir Jagr for any front office role he wants. All Jagr has to do is say the word.

"The Penguins want Jagr to be an employee moving forward. I'm not sure what role. I think they'll take what they can get - the more of Jagr's presence and hockey mind that he's willing to share, the better."

Yohe, who was answering a question from a reader with his statement on Jagr, was also asked his thoughts on Dubas's first year in Pittsburgh. Yohe was unimpressed, but admitted his hands are tied in some aspects.

"He's made some mistakes already and has much to prove. But I also think his current situation is next to impossible and that a significant portion of the fan base will complain regardless of what he does. He inherited a terrible mess."

As for bringing in Jagr, the 52-year-old remains a semi-regular in the lineup of the Kladno Knights of the Czech Extraliga, a team he's owned for several years. Jagr, who is second overall for most points in an NHL career behind only Wayne Gretzky, had his jersey retired by the Penguins this season, and is a sure thing to be entered into the Hockey Hall of Fame once he retires from active play. There's no way he'd be anything but loved and adored in a front office role in Pittsburgh.