New revelations have surfaced regarding the tumultuous tenure of Ron Hextall's management team, as reported by The Athletic. The details shed light on a chaotic period in Pittsburgh Penguins' recent history. One of the notable incidents involved Evgeni Malkin, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the organization during contract negotiations, feeling undervalued and disrespected. Malkin even texted his closest teammates, suggesting that the Penguins didn't want him anymore and questioned his abilities. Eventually, Sidney Crosby had to step in and mediate negotiations to ensure Malkin's return to the team.
Another incident involved Hextall trading Teddy Blueger without informing him while the Penguins were on their 'Dads trip.' Blueger and his father discovered the news through social media while having dinner with the team. Crosby was incensed by the lack of professionalism, emphasizing that such actions did not align with Pittsburgh's values.
Additionally, the article highlighted the strained relationship between Penguins coach Mike Sullivan and the management team, with weeks passing without any communication between them. This discord further added to the chaos surrounding the organization.
As the Penguins navigate this challenging period, the ownership group, Fenway Sports Group, is expected to appoint a new general manager soon. The rumored finalists for the position include Kyle Dubas, Mathieu Darche, and Steve Greeley. The appointment of a new GM will be crucial in stabilizing the team and steering them towards a more prosperous future.
