3 Potential Landing Spots for Evgeni Malkin
After 16 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, unrestricted free agent Evgeni Malkin could don a new jersey for the first time in his career next year.
The 35-year-old Russian has accomplished nearly everything imaginable with the Penguins, and his trophy case is rivaled by few superstars of the salary-cap era.
Additionally, even though his numbers are down and injuries have limited Malkin in recent seasons, he remains a top player in this year’s UFA class.
He’s racked up 144 points – 53 goals – through 129 games over the past three years while also posting a respectable 53.3 Corsi For percentage when adjusted for score and venue.
It’s also worth considering what Malkin’s focused on at this stage of his career.
Does the future Hall of Famer sign a team-friendly contract with a contender, or does he want to pad the bank account with one last monster contract?
For what it’s worth, Malkin has earned an estimated $118 million to this point in his celebrated career, according to Cap Friendly.
Here are 3 potential landing spots for No. 71 during the offseason, if he doesn’t stick around in Pittsburgh, of course.
Detroit Red Wings
Malkin inking a mid-term deal with the Red Wings connects a few dots.
The organization has a storied history with Russian-born players, and the Red Wings have plenty of cap space to allot to Malkin.
Additionally, No. 71 would complement team-captain Dylan Larkin and bolster the Detroit offense immediately. The Red Wings should also continue to be more and more competitive as their young talents mature.
After all, reigning Calder Memorial Trophy winner Moritz Seider is a franchise-changing blueliner, and rookie winger Lucas Raymond is on the fast track to being a reliable scorer.
If the Red Wings are going to be competitive and take a run at the postseason, Malkin could be instrumental in ensuring it happens.
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Anaheim Ducks
While the Ducks probably aren’t as close to contending as the Red Wings, there are other perks in Anaheim.
Playing outside a traditional hockey market might be a nice change of scenery for Malkin, and California might be a welcomed change after spending 16 years playing in Pennsylvania.
The Ducks also have a go-to role available for Malkin, and there are plenty of youngsters just entering their primes to surround the veteran.
Could playing out his golden years in the Golden State be the perfect fit for Malkin?
Washington Capitals
Can you imagine?
The Capitals are likely to slot center Nicklas Backstrom on Long Term Injured Reserve following a June resurfacing hip surgery, so there is both a hole up the middle in Washington and cap space available.
Malkin would also join countrymen Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Dmitry Orlov and Ilya Samsonov, and the Caps aren’t far removed from being among the annual Stanley Cup favorites.
Even if Malkin joining Washington is a longshot, the first Penguins-Capitals game would be incredible, and who doesn’t love a compelling story?
Plus, the Pittsburgh-Washington rivalry has been one of the better ones of the salary-cap era.
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