Kovacevic: Sullivan sticks by Core, but support -- and change -- still needed

The Penguins call Owen Pickering's name on the NHL Draft stage Thursday night in Montreal.MONTREAL -- "You know, I think it's a big day for our organization."

This was Mike Sullivan late Thursday night here at Bell Centre. After Kris Letang, the most accomplished defenseman in franchise history, completed a six-year, $36.6 million contract. After Logan Cooley, the West Mifflin native, had become the highest local pick in any NHL Draft by going fourth overall to the Coyotes. And after the Penguins' own pick, 6-foot-4 defenseman Owen Pickering, was welcomed to the fold at 21st overall.

On the actual stage by Letang, no less:

Owen Pickering's handed his first Penguins sweater by Kris Letang.Nice,…