I'd guess that the truth is that Dubas does have the authority to fire Sullivan, but it would take:
1. Dubas to think Sullivan was a problem (I doubt he does)
2. Dubas to convince FSG that Sullivan is a problem and they should fire him (I doubt he could do that easily)
I'd guess it's false that Dubas doesn't have the authority to fire Sullivan, and he's just as delusional as FSG is with how amazing of a coach he is. That said, I also believe that he'd have to jump through more hoops to fire Sullivan than pretty much any other GM firing their coach would have to do.
Avs should trade for Malkin to 1) make Crosby jealous, and 2) try to outscore their other issues
Honestly I think Drew O'Connor makes a boatload of sense for the Avs to be targeting. Can play any forward position (mostly has played LW in the NHL but has played C in both the NHL and AHL at times) in both offensive and defensive roles, while adding some nice speed and size as well.
If the Penguins were smart, they'd be playing him exclusively with Crosby to try to pump up his production and get a haul for him at the deadline. But seeing how they're not doing that, I figure O'Connor ends up getting traded for like a 3rd and ends up being one of the cost effective TDL additions.