Penguins prepare to face old friend Brian Dumoulin

Sidney Crosby has done it before, and he will do it again — perhaps many times — before the end of his career.

Still, he said, “It’s always a little weird when you play with guys for a long time and you’re playing against them.”

Crosby must do it again Monday when the Seattle Kraken and former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin come to town for a game at 1 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena. Dumoulin was a free agent after last season and signed a two-year, $6.3 million contract with the Kraken.

Dumoulin, 32, spent 10 seasons — eight as a regular — with the Penguins, compiling a plus/minus of 93 while playing an average of more than 20 minutes per game. He did his best work in front of the Penguins’ net, but he did compile 19 goals and 120 assists. Last season, he recorded career highs in assists (24) and points (25).

“He was an essential part (of our success),” coach Mike Sullivan said, noting the two Stanley Cup championships Dumoulin won with the Penguins. “He had a certain chemistry with (Kris) Letang all those years that was, in a lot of ways, the backbone of our defense corps. All of our players had a ton of respect for Dumoulin and the leadership he brought to the team. He was a voice of reason.”

Crosby said he played so long with Dumoulin that “there shouldn’t be any secrets” when the teams get together Monday.

“He’s a tough guy to go against,” he said. “I went against him enough times in practice over the years. It’s not a lot of fun. He’s steady, and he’ll be a good challenge.”

Dumoulin has three goals and six assists in 41 games for the Kraken this season.

“I think when you play with guys that long,” Crosby said, “you’re always hoping they do well, and he’s been doing well.

“It feels like everywhere you go, there are four or five guys off your team.”

Sullivan said Dumoulin was more than an effective player for the Penguins.

“I can’t say enough for his contributions in making the Penguins what we are,” Sullivan said. “There are certain people who build a standard of excellence and help create a culture. I think Dumoulin was one of those guys. He’s a great example of how to approach the game. He’s a good pro.”