Penguins Thoughts: More Dubas Nuggets, Hallander Wants ‘Evil Eye’

In a candid interview on Monday, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas shed light on the internal limitations of the team and the league-wide shortened training camps. Dubas admitted that he told goalie Joel Blomqvist and a few other players that they were "screwed" by the short camp and didn't have the ability to fight for roles that they would have had in past years with longer camps.

Avery Hayes was also mentioned as someone who didn't have enough time to prove himself. Dubas noted that they had to decide how to go through the camp with only four games, and it was unfortunate for Blomqvist, but that's the format chosen. He further clarified that the goaltending battle was settled last May when Murashov claimed the net for the AHL playoff run and didn't give it up.

Dubas also revealed that the Penguins staff resisted claiming Declan Carlile after Tampa Bay passed him through waivers early last season, as they regretted it later. The Penguins GM reiterated that they would make room for prospects who make it to the NHL, but the roster construction is more settled than a year ago, given the injury bug and other challenges.