Jesse Puljujarvi, who has not scored a goal in his past 32 regular-season and playoff appearances, is being considered for a roster spot with the Penguins. Coach Mike Sullivan sees an opportunity for Puljujarvi to fit in, especially on the power play. Puljujarvi, having undergone double hip surgery, expressed high motivation to prove himself. Meanwhile, Penguins' general manager Kyle Dubas expressed strong support for Sullivan, emphasizing the need for execution on the ice and delivering wins for the fans in Pittsburgh.
Penguins’ Kyle Dubas offers Mike Sullivan full support, preaches patience ⤵️ https://t.co/VSNdVCdDmg
Kyle Dubas had a lot to say at today’s press conference, starting with an emphatic public vote of confidence for his coach. The full story from @AndrewDestin1 ⬇️ https://t.co/LKknNYZfhU
Kyle Dubas spoke on Monday. He’s happy with Mike Sullivan. Read about it and much more: https://t.co/bsdeiABXNL
Kyle Dubas: "I think for me, being new in the role, I have my expectations of the group now and I have my responsibility in the long run. When it comes to how we're going to dictate our course, I'm going to give the players and the coaching staff as much time as possible."
Kyle Dubas: "I think no one really wants to hear about the underlying stuff about the even-strength play or even the power play and things of that nature. They want to see execution on the ice and see us convert on the ice and deliver wins for the fans in Pittsburgh."
Kyle Dubas: "I don't think injuries can be any type of excuse... they're an opportunity for guys who have always wanted one, who came here for one... we want guys to run right through the door and take it and go."
Kyle Dubas: "Being with Mike Sullivan every day and not only seeing his attention to detail on the systems and with the players, I think we're very fortunate to have Mike. Do I think he's the right person for this job, right now and far into the future? I absolutely do."
Kyle Dubas says Mike Sullivan is the right coach for the Penguins now and moving well into the future. “I’m confident Sully is the guy for us.”
Kyle Dubas tells reporters in Pittsburgh that he still has strong belief in head coach Mike Sullivan: "I'm certain that Sully's the best person to help us."
Kyle Dubas will speak with us now.
The Penguins say Kyle Dubas will have a press conference after today’s practice. It’s described as “general media availability.” We will be there to cover it for you.
Gudbranson has declined to talk today. We’ll catch up with him at a later date. Sillinger, Kuraly and Pascal Vincent will meet with us. Power’s out in in the locker room, so all interviews in the press conference room. #CBJ
Jesse Puljujarvi said it's been a long way back after double hip surgery, but he's worked really hard to get to this point, and his motivation level is "really, really high... coming back here, show everyone I’m a good player for this league - I’m looking forward to it."
Mike Sullivan said he told Jesse Puljujarvi this morning that there's an opportunity for him to possibly establish himself with a roster spot here. "It's our responsibility as a coaching staff, and for Kyle (Dubas) and his group, to do our best to work to improve our team.…
Jesse Puljujarvi did some rotating in on the top line with Sidney Crosby and Drew O'Connor. The captain shared his impressions: "Just a big guy that can skate, and strong on pucks and in front of the net. That’s what I remember playing against him, and that’s what I saw today."
Jesse Puljujarvi has not scored a goal in his past 32 regular-season and playoff appearances. That suggests he should fit in quite nicely on the Penguins' power play.