As the Pittsburgh Penguins gear up for the upcoming NHL season, Evgeni Malkin's recent comments have stirred the pot, leading to speculation about a potential trade. The 39-year-old forward's remarks have cast some doubt on his future in Pittsburgh, despite his long-standing desire to remain with the team.
Malkin, who is entering the final year of his contract with a $6.1 million cap hit and a no-movement clause, acknowledged that his future with the Penguins depends on how the season unfolds. "If we play great, I play great, I feel confident, I show my game, why not one more?" Malkin stated. He emphasized the importance of the preseason for both the team and himself, expressing his hunger to compete and excitement about the new coach and teammates.
However, Malkin also opened the door to trade rumors by admitting he doesn't know how he would react if Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas asked him to waive his no-movement clause. He referenced Brad Marchand's trade from the Boston Bruins and subsequent Stanley Cup win with the Florida Panthers as a reminder that anything can happen. "It's hard. You know, we see a story like with Brad Marchand–it's looking good. If you trade you and (he) wins the Cup, it's a bit weird," Malkin said. "But again, we see what's going on with the future. Of course, everybody wants to play in the playoffs and maybe one more run to the Cup. It's a great story when you see it on TV, but I don't know how I would feel if the team wants to trade me".
Malkin's comments have sparked interest from other teams, with the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers reportedly having checked in on his availability since 2024. If the Penguins were to consider trading Malkin, they would likely prefer to send him to the Western Conference, but a strong offer from an Eastern Conference team could entice them.
Despite the trade speculation, Malkin has also expressed his desire to stay in Pittsburgh, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang and remain a "Penguin forever". He acknowledged that discussions with Dubas and his representatives have been ongoing but that no further talks have taken place recently.
The Penguins' current situation adds another layer to the speculation. After failing to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the past three seasons, the team may be looking to get younger, potentially leading to some difficult decisions regarding their veteran players. If the team struggles leading up to the trade deadline, a "fire sale" could be in the cards, potentially involving Malkin and even Crosby.
Malkin has spent his entire NHL career with the Penguins, playing in 1,213 regular-season games and recording 514 goals and 1,346 points. He has been instrumental in the team's success, helping them win three Stanley Cup titles and earning numerous individual awards. While the Penguins would ideally like to keep Malkin in Pittsburgh, the possibility of a trade cannot be ruled out, especially if it aligns with the team's long-term goals.
