Former Maple Leafs Coach Linked to Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins

Although the majority of NHL teams who needed coaches have found their man, the Pittsburgh Penguins are still on the prowl for theirs after letting Mike Sullivan go.

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Penguins are reportedly very high on former Maple Leafs assistant coach DJ Smith, which would set him up for a reunion with former GM Kyle Dubas:

The Penguins are in a weird spot right now, where they have a ton of older veteran talent like Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, Evgeni Malkin, and Erik Karlsson, but a few potential promising stars like Philip Tomasino and Rutger McGroarty.

As the team shifts towards a younger generation, Smith can use what he learned in Ottawa to help their transition. Under Smith, while the Senators weren't a playoff team, he saw a ton of growth.

Players like Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris, Thomas Chabot, Drake Batherson, and Tim Stutzle have all thrived since being coached by Smith, and he oversaw a very critical part of their emergence in the league.

Smith coached Ottawa for four season, so he has the experience there. Smith posted a 131-154-32 record, never making the playoffs though he did finish the 2022-23 season with a 39-35-8 record; his best season as a bench boss.

Smith would also bring some familiarity with GM Kyle Dubas and his vision for the Penguins going forward.

His work with younger players, emphasis on defense and smart hockey, and his NHL experience are all key boxes that Dubas can check off, and knowing that he'll eventually have to acquiesce a lot of his players in a couple of seasons; his hiring might be crucial.

He'll also be instrumental in helping the development of players like Emil Bemstrom, Filip Hallander, and Samuel Poulin; three players who will make their debut with the Penguins in Smith's tenure.

Plus his experience at coaching at the OHL level (where he held Connor McDavid in check) is a massive boost for a team looking to eventually move into a full rebuild with younger talent.

So if he's comfortable with navigating a potential rebuild, and Dubas gives him the time to work his magic, the Penguins might be on track to be better sooner than many anticipated.