Report: 3 Teams Have Made Trade Calls on Penguins' Evgeni Malkin

Evgeni Malkin would like to retire as a Pittsburgh Penguin, but he may not be given the chance to. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins legend is entering the final season of his contract, and with the team in a time of transition, there's a chance Malkin is moved ahead of this season's trade deadline. Should the Penguins be out of the playoff picture, expect to see Kyle Dubas sell the farm and shoot for having a chance at drafting Gavin McKenna number one overall at the 2026 NHL Draft.

When it comes to Malkin, he had a candid conversation with Dubas during the summer, after the team indicated they aren't interested in talking extension. Malkin was eligible to sign an extension July 1st, but Dubas made it very clear it's a touch and go process right now.

When it comes to trade destinations, reports have surfaced that a few teams have reached out throughout the last couple of seasons, as the Malkin situation is one that many are following.

James Murphy: Re Evgeni Malkin: "The Canadiens, Lightning, and Panthers have all checked in on his availability since 2024" - RG (9/20)

The Penguins have $12.9 million in cap space to work with and have not spent to the cap, as it's obvious Dubas wasn't interested in 'buying' throughout the summer to make his team better. The Penguins tried to get younger, faster, and tougher to play against, and added goaltender Arturs Silovs from the Vancouver Canucks, and will give the netminder a chance to become the future in the Penguins' crease.

There's a very good chance that Malkin is traded this season as the Penguins. It's going to come down to where they sit in the standings, and while they may not be the juggernaut they once were in the past, anytime you have Sidney Crosby on your team, there's a chance at reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Malkin to Montreal? Could happen sooner, than later.

Photo credit:  Bob Lee, Imagn Images