One day away from free agency and teams are making moves. Teams have to decide what players work for the team they are building for the upcoming season and beyond that. Even if that means letting one of your longest-tenured players go because they don’t fit in your vision. Today we will be discussing Evgeni Malkin and his future that probably doesn’t involve the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Evgeni Malkin to Test Free Agency
Breaking: Sources say Evgeni Malkin has decided to go to the open market on Wednesday. Malkin has never been a free agent before and wants to see what his options are.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 11, 2022
Malkin was drafted by the Penguins in 2004 and made his NHL debut in 2006. He has been with the Penguins his entire NHL career and helped win three Stanley Cup Championships. Malkin’s eight-year, 9.5 million AAV contract came to an end after the 2021-2022 season. The 35-year-old made it no secret that he wanted to stay in Pittsburgh. However, the two parties have not been able to come to an agreement.
What Malkin’s Future Could Look Like
Just because they haven’t come to an agreement, doesn’t mean that Malkin’s future as a Penguin is over. However, he will likely come with a hefty price tag and the Penguins only have roughly ten million to work with. Especially after just signing Kris Letang and Rickard Rakell, who cost them a combined 11.1 million dollars. Malkin would have to consider taking a team-friendly contract if he really wants to stay.
However, there are other teams that would probably be interested in the center. In Malkin’s career, he has scored 444 goals, 702 assists, and 1,146 points. There are teams that would pay the heavy price tag it takes to acquire a career point-per-game player. Some teams that come to mind and have the cap space to do it are the Ottawa Senators and the Detriot Red Wings. The Senators have made it clear that they are adding big players and making waves. They recently acquired Alex DeBrincat from the Chicago Blackhawks. With some other key players like Malkin, they could find themselves in a pretty good position going into the 2022-2023 season.
DEVELOPING: According to @DarrenDreger, Evgeni Malkin will go to the open market on Wednesday as an unrestricted free agent – https://t.co/LqtNQzVuSY#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/qPX1q7RPPI
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) July 11, 2022
