Penguins could lose their assistant coach to western team

The Pittsburgh Penguins have some possible changes that could be happening behind the bench with their assistant coaching staff this off season.

There has been a lot of talk around a complete overhaul of the Penguins coaching staff. With the Penguins missing the playoffs for two straight years, many are calling for the coaches, including Mike Sullivan to be replaced. Although Sullivan's job does not seem to be in jeopardy, two assistant's will be free agents if they do not get an extension.

Both Todd Reirden, former Capitals coach, and Mike Vellucci could be free agents and looking to start new on different teams. With the San Jose Sharks looking for a new head coach, Reirden could be one of the top contenders for the job.




The Sharks look to be in the market for someone with professional hockey experience, as they have no intentions on moving their assistant coaches into the head coach job. Reirden did help the Caps to the top of the division in his two years as their head coach.

In addition, the Sharks are looking for someone that is defensive minded. Looking at the way the Penguins defensive has played at times may make you wonder if he could be their guy. But the leaders on the blue line have built good relationships with him, and he did help develop Marcus Pettersson into the player he is now.

It is also a possibility that the Sharks are looking for a transition guy, which would also suit Reirden with his experience.

A lot of fans of the Penguins would not mind seeing Reirden let go because of what they feel are his poor decisions in critical times.



DK Pittsburgh Sports had a interesting conversation about Reirden on their podcast as well.



We will wait and see what the fate of the Penguins assistance coach will be this off season.

As Read On: The Hockey News -
Penguins Assistant Fits Sharks Coaching Needs