You are aware that Luigi is saying literally the same exact thing I was saying?
You're sitting here saying "Dubas is keeping Sullivan to protect himself" and "the Penguins aren't going anywhere with what Dubas has added". But the reality is that Dubas is one of 3 GMs responsible for why the roster is super mediocre (fringe wildcard team), and Sullivan is the reason why they're playing like one of the worst teams in hockey.
Wouldn't sullivan be hurting the floor of the Pens current roster?
The pens team as you and others mentioned is not very good. They are a medicore team which should/could be a WC1 or Metro #3 spot and likely lose R1 to better & younger rosters in NYR, NJD, and CAR
That they are now 2nd worst in the league is attributable to Sullivan and his shotty coaching
For the teams ceiling, its limited/hurt by Hextall's idiotic koves + Dubas idiotic moves.
The pens if retooled around by a good GM should be a better version of the CAPs (Crosby has been better then OV in 2023, 2024 and is likely still the better player this year despite a slow start).
The Caps retooled and got younger, faster and more deep (PLD in a lower insuitated role, Strome a few years back looks amazing now, Chychuran looks very good for very cheap cost, Logan Thompson for a 3rd).
If the Pens had that level of management they would be a legit playoff contender who despite their aging/elderly core could be contending for a deep run/cup if they had a stronger coach (ceiling raiser) then MS.
Management has f***ed the quality of team and support and Sullivan is a caveman who is fixated on his style of roster/tactics/strategies even if they fail to work/compliment the Pens players