Following the Maple Leafs' poaching of Wes Clark, Kyle Dubas makes remarks

Shortly after the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Dubas appointed Wes Clark, the ex-head of scouting for the Leafs, as Vice President of Player Personnel for the Penguins.

This development is particularly surprising given that Clark was actively involved in the Maple Leafs Development Camp just a week prior to the announcement. His participation in the camp's activities, culminating in Sunday's Blue vs White scrimmage, suggests that negotiations between Clark and Dubas must have progressed rapidly.

Dubas, clarifying his strategic moves in a press release on Tuesday, outlined his broader vision for Pittsburgh's future.

"Starting last fall with the addition of Trent Mann as a player development and scouting advisor and the elevation of Andy Saucier to lead our pro scouting department, we have sought to really bolster our player personnel system. Our personnel decisions in this short term will be critical as we seek to add the draft picks, prospects and young players that will serve to add an infusion of young, hungry players to our core," Dubas stated.

"By adding Wes to lead the departments directed by Nick Pryor and Andy, along with the valuable experience and wisdom that Trent provides, we have tried to put the Penguins in a strong position to go out and execute on our personnel strategy in the short and long run. Having worked with Wes for many years, I have a deep trust in his ability to identify talent, lead staffs, advance our scouting process and methods, learn from mistakes to improve processes and to challenge my own thinking and planning on a near daily basis," he further added.

This strategic reshuffling by Dubas not only reflects his confidence in Clark's capabilities but also signals a potentially aggressive restructuring of Pittsburgh's scouting and player development framework. Speculation continues to swirl around whether Brandon Pridham, the renowned salary cap expert currently serving as Assistant GM under Brad Treliving in Toronto, might be the next to join Dubas's evolving team. Given Dubas's vocal appreciation for Pridham's skills, it's a possibility that remains on the horizon.

Kyle Dubas's bold moves could very well redefine Pittsburgh's strategy, highlighting his ongoing commitment to building a team equipped to challenge the NHL's best. As the Penguins prepare for the upcoming season, the hockey world will be watching closely to see how these changes impact their performance on the ice.