Ex-Leafs GM Kyle Dubas Forced to Admit That Another One of His Experiments Has Failed

Kyle Dubas, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs and current President and GM of the Pittsburgh Penguins, has faced mostly negative reviews regarding his tenure as GM in Toronto (2018-2023).

While Dubas helped build competitive regular season teams, his failure to construct a roster capable of succeeding in the playoffs ultimately led to his departure.

Now serving as the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager for the Penguins, Dubas appears to be bringing some of his old habits with him.

Dubas became known for both his reclamation projects and his penchant for bringing in over-the-hill veterans during his time in Toronto. He also attempted a few reclamation projects in Pittsburgh, and one has just blown up in his face.

As reported by Sportsnet on X:

Jesse Puljujarvi, a former 4th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, joined the Penguins with the hopes of reigniting a career that has so far been disappointing. In 377 career games, the Finnish winger has recorded just 126 points.

As mentioned above, Dubas was known for taking chances on NHL projects during his time with the Maple Leafs, though many of these moves ended in failure. Puljujarvi, unfortunately, appears to be another example of this pattern.

The 25-year-old has struggled to find consistency, tallying only 8 points in 21 games this season and frequently finding himself as a healthy scratch. His lack of engagement on the ice has raised concerns.

Dubas had made it clear that changes would be coming if the Penguins didn't perform this season, but with the team currently outside of a playoff spot, it looks like another mediocre year for the franchise is enviable, for the second straight season.

Only time will tell if Dubas can turn things around in Pittsburgh, but based on his early struggles, he seems to be on a familiar trajectory -- one that mirrors his time with the Maple Leafs, which ended in disappointment.