The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves grappling with another challenging season, and the stakes have never been higher, particularly as criticism mounts from former NHL player P.K. Subban. Subban, who has transitioned to hockey analysis after his playing career, did not hold back during the recent intermission of the Penguins’ game against the Washington Capitals on February 22, 2025, following their crushing 8–3 loss.
Throughout the analysis, Subban placed considerable blame on the team’s management, namely General Manager Kyle Dubas. According to Subban, the Penguins are constructed poorly, failing to utilize the immense talents of franchise stalwarts like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who are approaching the twilight of their careers. “Struggling is an understatement,” Subban asserted. “It’s not a slight at the players. There’s a lot of great, talented players in there. But this is a poorly built team, to me. They’re undersized, undermanned. They’re soft in every area.”
His blistering critique did not stop there. He emphasized the dire state of the Penguins, stating, “So they’re set up to fail. And to me, the way this team is built, it’s inexcusable.” While Crosby and head coach Mike Sullivan work diligently to motivate the team and leverage their combined experience, Subban pointedly remarked, “Crosby deserves way more than this. At the level he’s playing at, where he’s at right now in his game, his career... this is not enough for Sidney Crosby.” He continued by saying, “Mike Sullivan needs [better players] to coach. And if it’s not going to be [better players], it’s got to be put together the right way for these guys to have a chance to make the playoffs. And I don’t see it.”
With their recent record standing at 23-26-9, the Penguins are well below the playoff cutoff, trailing the Ottawa Senators by seven points for the second wild-card spot. Subban highlighted the responsibility Dubas bears, having taken the reins as GM less than two years ago, along with the hefty $7 million-per-year contract he received. This contract, according to Subban, should demand tangible results: “For me, it’s on Kyle Dubas. You get paid $7 million bucks, that's what I expect. If it’s a rebuild, then rebuild. If it’s not, then we’ve got to see [better results] on the ice. This is inexcusable for me.”
Looking forward, the Penguins are set to face the New York Rangers on February 25, which has fans and analysts alike questioning whether management will choose to initiate radical changes for the remainder of the season or attempt to make improvements through trades before the deadline. This uncertainty only amplifies the pressure on Dubas as the franchise teeters on the edge of what could be called an unofficial rebuild. While the Penguins have not openly declared their motives, the absence of high-caliber players such as Jake Guentzel clearly signals they are leaning more toward future prospects than immediate playoff contention.
Many observers are left wondering if the respected leadership of Crosby and the coaching of Sullivan will be enough to anchor the ship, especially if the issues with team construction remain unresolved. The fate of the current season hangs precariously as questions loom about the Penguins’ ability to turn their fortunes around sufficient to provide Crosby with the support he rightfully deserves.
Interestingly, Subban's rant isn't entirely new; last season, he voiced similar concerns after the trade deadline, indicating this is not just fleeting frustration but perhaps reflective of deep-rooted organizational issues. The Penguins’ struggles this season cannot be isolated from broader patterns, as their management clearly prioritizes building for the future rather than chasing wins at all costs. The clock is ticking on both Crosby’s career and Dubas’s mandate for improvement, leading to pressing inquiries from fans and analysts alike about where the franchise is heading.
Even the schedule reflects the urgency around this team: with key matchups on the horizon, any adjustments—or lack thereof—can have lasting effects not just for the postseason, but on the long-term vision of the franchise. The Penguins, renowned for their storied past and championship pedigree, now find themselves at a crossroads, with their actions over the coming weeks likely determining the balance between short-term band-aids and long-term strategies aimed at rebuilding their competitive edge.
What remains firmly clear is the desire for change from within the ranks of pop culture and analysis surrounding the team. Subban’s vocal criticisms mirror the frustrations of many followers who believe the Penguins have reached their breaking point and must choose wisely if they hope to honor the legacies of their star players like Crosby and Malkin.