The Pittsburgh Penguins are turning heads this season, and it’s making everyone rethink what’s next for their aging superstars.
After starting the season 4-2, the Pens have people wondering if they might actually keep both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin around longer than expected. While Crosby seems locked in as a Penguin for life, Malkin’s future has been less certain.
The 39-year-old Malkin raised eyebrows in September when he hinted he might be open to joining a contender. His contract expires after this season, and most assumed he’d be traded to a playoff team.
But things have changed.
According to The Athletic’s Josh Yohe, Malkin actually wants to stay in Pittsburgh – even if it means taking less money and a smaller role.
“Team sources have told me that because he loves playing for the Penguins and isn’t ready to be shown the door, Malkin would stick around for less money and a lesser role,” Yohe reported Tuesday.
It’s easy to see why the Pens might want to keep him. Malkin’s been on fire to start the season, leading the team with nine points, including two goals.
That’s pretty impressive for a guy who put up 50 points in 68 games last year.
The big question is whether new GM Kyle Dubas will offer him a deal. Dubas was brought in to rebuild the team, and he’s apparently not worried about upsetting anyone – even Crosby – while doing it.
But here’s the thing: If the Penguins keep playing like this and stay in the playoff hunt, trading Malkin becomes a much tougher call.
Of course, one bad losing streak could change everything. Both Malkin and Crosby know that winning four of their first six games is nice, but it’s going to take a lot more than that to avoid the rebuild most people expected.
For now, though, Malkin’s making a strong case to finish his career where it started – in Pittsburgh.
