The Pittsburgh Penguins have enjoyed a remarkable start to their 2025-26 campaign. While many expected Pittsburgh to replicate the struggles of recent seasons, the franchise instead sits at 7-2-1 with Sidney Crosby in elite form.
The Penguins captain has recorded 14 points through 10 games and appears poised to match last season’s production. However, while Crosby hopes this strong start will convince management to support the veteran core, one insider suggests GM Kyle Dubas won’t alter his rebuilding plans.
Why Won’t Kyle Dubas Change His Rebuild Plans Despite the Penguins’ Hot Start?
The Penguins are displaying more competitiveness in the season’s opening month than they’ve shown in years. Veterans are driving the offense, with Crosby leading the way with seven goals and seven assists.
His longtime linemate, Evgeni Malkin, leads the franchise in scoring with 16 points. Other veterans, like Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, have consistently contributed to keeping Pittsburgh competitive. However, The Athletic’s Josh Yohe believes the strong start won’t impact management’s long-term strategy.
The insider noted that even if the Penguins reach the playoffs, GM Kyle Dubas will proceed with his planned retooling. Yohe acknowledged Crosby’s exceptional play and Malkin’s resurgence to a form not seen in years. However, that success doesn’t align with what Crosby and his agent prefer.
Yohe explained that with the Penguins’ recent success, the pressure on Dubas becomes even more evident. He mentioned, “Many fans will want Dubas to cave and do something in the short term to help the Penguins if there’s a sniff of the playoffs.”
However, the insider also explained that Pittsburgh understands what their fans want, and they also notice the thousands of empty seats in front of where they are playing right now.
Yohe also brought up how the veterans are looking at this scenario. “Then, there are the players. There is little question that the men in the locker room will naturally want Dubas to give them help if one final chance at the postseason exists,” Yohe added.
The insider revealed Dubas maintains daily communication with Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson. Dubas himself has confirmed that. Brisson believes his client deserves to compete for the playoffs every season. Both Crosby and Brisson oppose an immediate rebuild.
However, Yohe believes Dubas won’t deviate from his plan. “Everyone I have spoken with, however, tells me that Dubas isn’t going to budge, that he possesses a vision of the future for these Penguins that is bright,” he wrote.
According to sources, Dubas won’t sacrifice future assets to ensure this roster reaches the playoffs. Yohe noted that while Dubas would welcome a surprising playoff berth, it wouldn’t alter his strategic direction.
“It’s not like Dubas is against it, even if it surely wasn’t what he was expecting,” he explained. “But from everything I hear, Dubas is incredibly disciplined and unafraid to hurt some feelings along the way,” Yohe added.
The insider emphasized Dubas’s aim to build sustained championship contention rather than a single playoff run. If achieving that vision requires moving current roster pieces, Dubas appears willing to make difficult decisions.
While Crosby remains in Pittsburgh, the futures of his longtime teammates won’t be determined solely by this season’s playoff chase.
