Speculation surrounding Evgeni Malkin’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins is being addressed by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. Speaking on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio’s Morning Skate with Scott Laughlin and Gord Stellick, Friedman expressed confidence that a deal will be reached, advising against premature panic.
During the discussion, the topic of Malkin’s potential return to Pittsburgh was raised, with both Malkin himself and Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas indicating a desire for him to stay. Laughlin noted Malkin’s leverage due to a limited free-agent market, questioning the likely outcome of the negotiations.
Friedman shared his perspective, stating, “I didn’t hear anything yesterday that concerned me that it wasn’t going to get done.” He elaborated on his understanding of Dubas’s communication style, finding nothing in recent statements to suggest an impasse. Friedman highlighted one specific comment from Dubas as particularly telling: Malkin is not perceived as a player who would block the development of younger talent. This, Friedman believes, is a significant indicator that an agreement is likely.
Further insights from Friedman suggested that contract discussions may involve considerations such as Malkin’s injury history this past season and his successful transition from center to wing. These factors, he indicated, could influence the terms of a new agreement and discussions about his role and potential load management. However, Friedman concluded that there were no immediate signs of a deal falling apart.
English Translation:
NHL Rumors: No Reason to Believe Evgeni Malkin Can’t Get a Deal Done in Pittsburgh
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet joined the SiriusXM NHL Network Radio Morning Skate with Scott Laughlin and Gord Stellick and was asked about how things could play out in Pittsburgh with Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins. Friedman believes there is no need to panic.
Scott Laughlin asked about the situation, mentioning that Evgeni Malkin wants to return to Pittsburgh and Kyle Dubas is saying all the right things about wanting him back. Laughlin acknowledged that business will take over at some point, and Malkin has a little more leverage due to a thin market, questioning where things will ultimately go.
Elliotte Friedman responded, “I didn’t hear anything yesterday that concerned me that it wasn’t going to get done. I’ve covered Dubas enough to understand some of his buzzwords and the way he speaks. And there was nothing yesterday that told me that couldn’t be possible.”
He found Dubas’s comment that Malkin is “not blocking anybody” to be the most interesting and a significant indicator. Friedman explained that many teams worry about acquiring players who might block young talent, and this statement suggests that concern is not present regarding Malkin.
Friedman also noted that Dubas, as pointed out by Pittsburgh writer Josh Yohe, has mentioned Malkin’s missed games this year (due to injury and suspension) and his effective move from center to wing. These are likely points of discussion regarding his role and potential rest. However, Friedman reiterated, “there was nothing there that screamed to me, five-alarm blaze. This can’t get done.”
