Evgeni Malkin has had a great start to the season in Pittsburgh. The 39-year-old center has 23 points after 19 games … and is the Penguins' leading scorer this season.
His good friend Sidney Crosby isn't far behind, but he's still behind.
At the same time, we know that Malkin is experiencing his last minutes in the NHL. The Russian is playing out the last year of his contract, and it is possible that he will hang up his skates at the end of the season.
As a result, he has found himself at the center of many trade rumors, especially with the Penguins, who do not have a big franchise (despite a surprise start to the season). And tonight Pierre Lebrun spoke about all this in his Insider trading segment.
Key takeaway? His future will be determined during the Olympic break.
The Malkin clan will meet with Penguins management during the three-week break (Russia will not be at the Olympics, so Malkin will have a short break). It is then that the parties will draw up a plan of action for the rest of the season.
Then we'll determine whether he'll be traded (and if so where), whether he'll finish the year in Pittsburgh… or sign a contract extension. Because this is also possible.
However, Malkin is aware that this could be his last few weeks in a Penguins uniform. In an interview with Daria Tuboltseva(Research site), Malkin admitted that he hardly imagines himself in a uniform different from the Penguins uniform, but is well aware that it is quite possible.
And when you read what he said, you understand that he really is not interested in perestroika:
There are a few things to consider. What if the club falters and misses the playoffs and big trades happen in the summer? – Evgeniy Malkin
We will have to keep a close eye on what happens during the Olympic break. Because obviously that's when the Penguins core can be dismantled.
Ivan Demidov, who grew up admiring Malkin, will have to watch this closely… and the Habs, who are dreaming of Sidney Crosby, will have to watch it closely too.
After a while
Jamie Benn is back.
– Filip Forsberg on the trade market? [RMNB]
– Interesting.
