Penguins make decision on new HC

Published: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 4:52 pm

Penguins Announce Dan Muse as New Head Coach

The Pittsburgh Penguins have named Dan Muse as their new head coach, marking a significant shift for the team as they look to revitalize their roster. Muse, previously an assistant coach with the New York Rangers, steps into his first NHL head coaching role.

The appointment comes as a surprise, with other candidates like Mitch Love and D.J. Smith initially considered frontrunners. However, Muse emerged as a finalist, ultimately securing the position.

Muse brings a wealth of experience to Pittsburgh. He has spent five seasons as an NHL assistant coach, including stints with the Nashville Predators and the Rangers. Prior to his NHL career, Muse achieved success as a head coach in the United States National Team Development Program, leading the U.S. to a gold medal at the 2023 U-18 World Junior Championship. He also led the Chicago Steel to a USHL championship in 2017.

The Penguins are at a crucial juncture, with the careers of veteran stars like Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin nearing their end. The focus will be on developing young talent to ensure a smooth transition and maintain competitiveness. General Manager Kyle Dubas emphasized Muse's ability to develop players and his success at various levels as key factors in the decision. Dubas highlighted Muse's proven ability to connect with players and his leadership of special teams units.

The Rangers, meanwhile, will need to fill the coaching void left by Muse's departure.

BNN's Perspective:

This hire represents a calculated risk for the Penguins. While Muse's track record at the junior and assistant coaching levels is impressive, his lack of NHL head coaching experience is a concern. However, the Penguins clearly believe in his ability to develop young players, which is crucial for the team's future. It will be interesting to see how Muse adapts to the pressure of leading a team with high expectations.

Keywords: Penguins, Dan Muse, NHL, head coach, coaching hire, Pittsburgh, Rangers, Mitch Love, D.J. Smith, Sidney Crosby, Kyle Dubas, player development, special teams, hockey, NHL coaching, coaching change, new coach, hockey news, Pittsburgh Penguins.

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