NHL Rumors: 3 Potential Landing Spots for Penguins' Evgeni Malkin

Reports surfaced on Monday stating the Pittsburgh Penguins will not be re-signing Evgeni Malkin after this season, as the future Hall-of-Famer will be entering the final season of his contract in 2025-26. Malkin is owed $6.1 million against the cap, and even at 38 years old, apparently wants to continue playing a couple of more seasons. 

Malkin owns a no-movement clause on his contract next year, and with the Penguins not expected to contend for a playoff spot, look for the veteran center to be traded before next season's trade deadline. Here's where Malkin could wind up:

Florida Panthers

The Panthers are becoming the destination city of the NHL, and look for GM Bill Zito to once again be aggressive next year on the trade market. That's what Zito does, each and every year. Florida ranks among the top of the list here because Malkin almost signed with them once his last contract was coming up with the Penguins, before returning to Pittsburgh on a short-term deal.

New York Rangers

Malkin is very close to Artemi Panarin and could see the bright lights in the Big Apple as a perfect place to end his career. The Rangers have been aggressive already this summer, and will look to contend next season, with some allocated resources financially. Adding Malkin at the deadline has quickly turned into a very possible scenario for GM Chris Drury.

Vegas Golden Knights

The Knights are always in on the cream of the crop when it comes to free agents and trade targets, so they will surely be in touch with Kyle Dubas when time comes for trade talks to heat up. Mitch Marner is at the top of their offseason wish list, and look for the Golden Knights to be linked to Malkin next spring ahead of the trade deadline.

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