Another offseason, another set of Evgeni Malkin rumors in Pittsburgh.
It feels like since the Pittsburgh Penguins were swept in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs by the New York Islanders, each season brings questions about the team’s aging core and its general outlook. So far in 2022, that is once again the case.
In recent years, it had been trade rumors that surrounded Geno and long-time teammate, Kris Letang. Generally, I think people just like to take a story, no matter how real it is, and run with it. In this instance, though, the rumors have legs.
This offseason is unique, because Malkin, Letang, and other notable Penguins are set to hit the open market, making a departure much more realistic. Now at age 35 (soon to be 36), could we have watched number 71 play his last game for Pittsburgh?
Is Evgeni Malkin’s time with the Penguins over?
There are whispers around the league, as it shifts to offseason mode, that Malkin making his way to a new home next year could be likely at this point.
I’ve spoken with many who are starting to wonder if Evgeni Malkin has played his final game with the Penguins. Ample time has come and gone, but there isn’t a deal yet. Then there’s the Kris Letang situation. Read about this and much more by clicking here: https://t.co/UsVFH2AHY7
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) June 28, 2022
During his tenure with the Penguins, Malkin has established himself as an all-time great, helping the franchise win the Stanley Cup three times, while winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2009.
He has led the NHL in scoring, won the MVP, and been named to the All-Star Game on many occasions, and that only scratches the surface of what he has accomplished in his career.
What makes Geno’s time in the Burgh so special is the 16-year run with Letang and Sidney Crosby, one that is unheard of in professional sports.
With all of that said, his production has dipped to some degree (though he did still have 42 points in 41 games this year), and he’s not getting any younger. More than anything, this offseason will force the Penguins to make decisions between players, meaning someone will have to go.
We’ve already seen the Pens extend forward Bryan Rust, cutting into the cap space that they, like any team, wishes could be more plentiful.
It seems impossible that Malkin could don a new jersey for the first time in his career, but with free agency beginning in only two weeks, anything is possible for the Penguins star.