The future of Pittsburgh’s famous core group has been a big topic for the Penguins for many years. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang have played together for a long time, so every roster move raises questions about whether the team will keep the trio together or start making bigger changes for the future.

In comments shared by NHL writer Sam Len on X, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said he understands why fans want the Big Three to stay together. However, he added that his main responsibility is to build the best team possible for the future.

Dubas said, "I knew when taking this job that it's obviously a special thing that the three of them [Crosby, Malkin, Letang] have played together for such a long time."

The GM values everything the three veteran players have done for the Penguins. At the same time, Dubas said he always knew the job would require him to make difficult decisions.

"I think at some point, I knew when taking the job that it's me that's going to have to make somebody or the fans unhappy with different decisions as they come, and I knew that when I agreed to come here."

As Pittsburgh goes through a transition, Dubas said the team's main focus is building the best possible roster.

"I think for me, the key is we always have to do what's best for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Even if that's unpopular or it makes people unhappy, that's the way that we have to operate. So we'll continue to field the team in the formation that we feel gives us the best chance to move ahead."

Over nearly two decades together, the Big Three have won three Stanley Cup Finals titles (2009, 2016, and 2017). Their 2017 victory made them the first NHL team to repeat as back-to-back champions in the salary-cap era.

Dubas did not hint at any immediate changes, but he said every player will be judged by what is best for the Penguins' future.

Salary cap changes could reshape Pittsburgh's long-term outlook

In the same interview shared by Sam Len, Dubas made these comments as the NHL enters a period of rising salary caps. He also made his clearest statement about the future of the team's veteran players.

"If there are players that begin to pass by, regardless of who they are and how long they've been here, it's incumbent upon me to make those decisions and do what's best for the Penguins in the long run. But I know this is a very special situation in terms of the nostalgia of it."

The financial situation is very different from what it was a few years ago. The rising salary cap could give teams more ways to build stronger rosters.

Talking about this change, The Hockey Writers' Chris McCluskey wrote on X that the NHL is now seeing "the money being thrown around" because of the rising salary cap.

He also said that the contracts signed during Kyle Dubas' time were expected to become good value over time and give the team more salary cap space. However, he pointed out that the cap increased by only $2 million over five years after three years with no increase.

These comments show one of the biggest problems Dubas has faced in Pittsburgh. The flat salary cap made it harder for the Penguins to improve their roster. 

Dubas made it clear that he respects Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, but their history with the team will not decide the Penguins' future. Pittsburgh will make the decisions it believes are best for long-term success, even if some fans disagree.

What do you think? When that tough moment comes, will the Penguins choose nostalgia or fully commit to rebuilding? Let us know in the comments. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason