May 14, 2025 | 7:00pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
SMITH, LOVE ON PENGUINS COACHING RADAR
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Rick Tocchet
As the Pittsburgh Penguins comb the market for a new Head Coach, two candidates have emerged, according to TFP’s David Pagnotta.
Pagnotta reported on Wednesday that the Penguins have spoken with Los Angeles Kings assistant coach D.J. Smith, who spent just over four seasons as Head Coach of the Ottawa Senators.
Smith, 48, coached the Senators from 2019-20 through 26 games into the 2023-24 campaign. Prior to joining Ottawa, he was an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs for four seasons and is familiar with Penguins GM Kyle Dubas from their time together in Toronto.
The Penguins also have interest in Washington Capitals assistant coach Mitch Love, who has attracted interest from multiple clubs, as Pagnotta also reported.
It is believed that Penguins assistant coach Mike Vellucci has interviewed for the Head Coach position, as well.
Mitch Love is also on Pittsburgh’s radar.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) May 14, 2025
The Penguins fired head coach Mike Sullivan on April 28 after 10 seasons with the organization.
Meanwhile, as Pagnotta also reported, the Penguins have made additional changes to their coaching staff, and a team is expected to make some type of announcement in the near future.