It's hard to imagine Evgeni Malkin wearing anything besides the black and yellow jerseys of the Penguins. Yet, a day before free agency begins, it's looking likely that Malkin will be doing just that by the fall.
The 35-year-old star center is heading to the free agent market after failing to come to an agreement on a new contract with the Penguins. While he sat and watched the Penguins re-sign Bryan Rust, Kris Letang, and even Casey DeSmith, the three-time Stanley Cup champion walked away from negotiations feeling as though the Penguins "don't want him."
He has stated he still wants to work a deal out with the Penguins, but at the very least, he will also listen to other offers. Despite his age and injury concerns, Malkin still has a lot of game left in him. The Russian had 42 points in 41 games last season after missing the first half of the season.
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Here is a look at the potential landing spot for Malkin in free agency.
Potential Evgeni Malkin free agency destinations
New York Rangers
With Andrew Copp and Ryan Strome set to hit free agency, that leaves a hole on the second line down the middle. The team that knocked Malkin and the Penguins out of the 2022 playoffs could be Malkin's next squad.
The Rangers enter free agency just over $10 million in cap space, so there's room to bring him in. Not only would he provide an upgrade at the second-line center position, but also would be a great mentor for the young New York club. However, GM Chris Drury will surely be careful with any signing this summer with Filip Chytil, Alexis Lafreniere, and K'Andre Miller all restricted free agents next season.
Washington Capitals
It certainly takes some imagination to picture the lifelong Penguin in a rival Capitals uniform, but it makes a lot of sense. With the health of Nicklas Backstrom up in the air, Washington has a clear need at center, especially if Backstrom can't come back next season.
It's also hard not to notice the Russian connection, as Malkin has experience playing alongside Alex Ovechkin, Dmitry Orlov, and Evgeny Kuznetsov with Russia's national teams.
The Capitals have just under $9 million in cap space and are likely going to make a run at one of the top free agents, especially a goalie like Darcy Kuemper. Getting a piece like that signed could convince Malkin to switch over to his long-time enemies.
Vancouver Canucks
There's a lot to like the future of the Canucks, and their young forward group, which is led by Elias Pettersson. J.T. Miller has been heavily involved in trade rumors and there's a good chance he's on the move.
The Canucks will need to replace Miller's production somehow, and that's where Malkin comes in. With Miller's $5.25 million off the books, in addition to the roughly $2 million the Canucks have, that would give Vancouver more than enough to work out a deal with Malkin.
The Penguins center could replace some of Miller's offensive production while acting as a mentor to the prospects and Pettersson. That might force Pettersson to move to wing, or slide Bo Horvat to the third line, but it would be a cheaper alternative to Miller, who only has one more year left on his deal.
Detroit Red Wings
Another team with a clear need at center is the Red Wings. After years of a rebuild, Detroit sees the end in sight and should start getting aggressive in free agency.
While I do think the ideal plan for Detroit is get a second-line center locked up long-term, Malkin could be a strong option for the time being if they swing and miss on some of the top names this summer. The Red Wings have some intriguing prospects that Malkin could play with, but they are a year or two away from being true contenders, which might turn the Russian away.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Of course, the Penguins remain arguably the most logical landing spot still for Malkin. Apparently the hang-up in contract negotiations was the length of the contract. Malkin wants a four-year deal while GM Ron Hextall reportedly would not budge from three years.
The fact that they immediately turned around and re-signed Rickard Rakell to a six-year deal after Malkin's camp said he'd test the market makes it more difficult. Plus, it's unlikely that sat well with the center. However, there's a chance Malkin goes out, realizes a better deal is not out there, and ends up right back in the 'Burgh.
