PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially named Dan Muse, former New York Rangers assistant and Chicago Steel head coach, as their new head coach — marking a strategic step in the franchise’s push to transition from the Sidney Crosby era into a new generation.
A Strategic Hire For A Transitional Era
Muse, 42, was selected by General Manager Kyle Dubas to lead the team through a rebuilding phase that aims to balance the mentorship of veteran stars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang with the development of a younger roster.
“What separated Dan was his ability to develop players and win at every level he’s coached,” said Dubas. “From college to the NHL, he’s shown an incredible ability to work with players across all stages of their careers.”
Chicago Roots And A Proven Track Record
Muse brings strong ties to Illinois hockey fans. He led the Chicago Steel to a Clark Cup championship in 2017, showcasing his skills in the USHL, the nation’s top junior league. He also held a coaching role in USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (2020–2023), grooming some of the country’s top prospects.
Notably, one of Muse’s former players — forward Rutger McGroarty, 21 — is now considered a top prospect in the Penguins system.
Replacing A Legendary Coach
Muse replaces Mike Sullivan, who coached the Penguins for nearly a decade and led them to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017. Sullivan recently accepted a position with the New York Rangers, and his departure was described as amicable — even taking out a billboard in Pittsburgh to thank fans.
The Rebuild Plan: Patience And Development
Muse will inherit a squad with serious goaltending concerns and aging stars, but a strong pipeline of draft capital:
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30 draft picks over the next three years
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18 picks in the first three rounds alone
Dubas has signaled a long-term strategy, opting for a sustainable rebuild over short-term fixes.
The Penguins are also the seventh team to fill their head coaching vacancy this offseason, with only the Boston Bruins yet to name a replacement.
Chicago Connection Remains Strong
Muse’s appointment is a point of pride for Illinois hockey followers. His coaching resume — from Yale’s NCAA title win in 2013 to USA U18 and U20 world titles — reflects a consistent ability to deliver results.
With Muse at the helm, Chicago fans who once cheered him behind the Steel bench may now watch him take on the ultimate challenge: guiding a legendary franchise through its next chapter.
What’s Next For Pittsburgh?
Muse must now:
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Fix a shaky goalie tandem (Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic)
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Find depth scoring behind Crosby’s top line
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And most importantly, blend veteran leadership with youth development
His past success suggests he may just be the right coach for the job.
What Do You Think, Chicago Hockey Fans?
Dan Muse once brought the Clark Cup to Illinois. Now he’s tasked with rebuilding one of the NHL’s most storied franchises. Do you think the Penguins made the right call? Share your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
