Listen, I couldn't care less if Pens fans don't like Dubas; as I've said before, he's making the big money.......plus he's stuck with the League's Toronto-based media focusing on every single move he makes (even if solely to make themselves feel better about their own team's continuing to underachieve).
But it amazes me that almost nobody......either within or outside Pittsburgh.....seems at all willing to accurately analyze the Kevin Hayes deal. At the worst, his contract is a wash for Jeff Carter, and he can probably do as much or more (relatively speaking) for the team as he can play multiple positions (which I think Carter played strictly center). But nobody on this team.....including Dubas.....expects him to be any kind of difference maker.
No, taking-on the Hayes contract was the price to acquire the #2 pick from St Louis, period. Why can't anyone seem to recognize this; well, I think it's simply because the Pittsburgh is so universally despised around the League (by fans and media), and they all like to see the team sinking You add to that the hatred everyone associated with Toronto has with Dubas, and you have a story nobody has the remotest interest in getting right.
Meanwhile, I'm perfectly happy they were able to cut their losses on Riley Smith, no matter what he does/doesn't do for the Rangers next year (on their 3rd or 4th line). I'd have liked that #2 pick to come back before 2027, but the Rangers should be a Top 5 team for the next couple years at least (putting their #2 pick in the high 50's). Hoping they'll begin to regress by 2027 and move this pick up u the list at least a bit in 3 years.
What's also funny is how League media in Canada is now coming down hard on the notion of Sid staying with the team; though there's not a team (or local media group) who wouldn't kill to have their team trade for him. Of course, the cement-heads have hated Sid since he entered the League. You watch; if/when Sid signs a new Pens contract, the CBC/TSN types will roast him; claiming he's just taking the money and playing out the string (and will start calling for him to be left off Canada's next Olympic team).