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If Penguins want to focus on scouting and development, how ‘bout Paul Fenton as GM?

2013 NHL Draft

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 30: (L-R) Assistant General Manager Paul Fenton of the Nashville Predators speaks with hockey analyst Ray Ferraro during the 2013 NHL Draft at the Prudential Center on June 30, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, on the Penguins’ search for a new general manager to replace Ray Shero:

Penguins ownership is said to prefer the new general manager to have a successful background in scouting and development, believing the franchise needs to improve most in those areas.

No real surprise there. As we noted here, the Pens have not drafted a player that’s appeared in more than 100 NHL games since 2007 (Jake Muzzin and Dustin Jeffrey).

In fact, Pittsburgh’s situation -- i.e., not getting that all-important “support from the bottom” -- closely mirrors that of Vancouver’s. The Canucks hired Jim Benning as their new GM, based largely on the success he’s had as a “talent evaluator.” Back in January, the Sabres went a similar route with Tim Murray.

Among the potential candidates for the Penguins job, if drafting and developing is indeed where ownership wants to focus, current Nashville AGM Paul Fenton might be a fit.

From Fenton’s bio on the Predators’ website:

He has assisted in player acquisitions since joining the Predators and managed the club’s Entry Draft efforts from 2003 (when the team selected Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, Kevin Klein and Alexander Sulzer) until 2008 when he passed the torch to Chief Amateur Scout Jeff Kealty.

In 2012-13, the Predators used 17 players drafted and developed by the team – which included 10 of the team’s top 12 point getters – and five more who were acquired by Nashville before making their NHL debut, meaning 22 of 34 players used by the Predators in each of the last two seasons have been “homegrown.”

Related: Lemieux says Bylsma could ‘absolutely’ coach Penguins next year