Report: Malkin trade rumors are true, Panthers in pursuit

Since the final buzzer sounded on the Pittsburgh Penguin’s 2018-19 season, there has been non-stop speculation regarding the team’s roster for 2019-20. What do they do in goal? Is Matt Murray as legit as everyone thought? What about Phil Kessel? Is he worth the his $8 million cap hit? Oh… and what about Evgeni Malkin? Does he even want to be here!? He certainly doesn’t look like it…

Tune into any Pittsburgh area sports radio broadcast and you’re likely to hear some combination of the above sentiments at any given time. The truth is a lot of it is pure noise, but the rumors regarding Malkin will simply NOT die down and Penguins insider Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now (PHN) maintains there’s some truth to the rumors. In fact, Kingerski reports that team sources have revealed to him that negotiations may even be underway with the Penguins potentially brokering a blockbuster deal with the Florida Panthers centered around Malkin.

Check it out:

 Pittsburgh Hockey Now spoke with sources close to the Penguins front office and around the league. Sources said the Florida Panthers are interested in Malkin for several reasons, and the Penguins are genuinely considering a Malkin trade. The trade talk is not a bluff.

From the Florida side, they are widely reported to be interested in unrestricted free agent Artemi Panarin. Adding a Malkin-Panarin punch to their lineup would go a long way to making Florida competitive again. It would also add legitimate star power which some in Florida believe could sell tickets and revive a struggling fan base.

Interesting. But even more interesting is the reported ask from Penguins GM Jim Rutherford. And here’s a hint… in AIN’T cheap.

Check it out:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now believes the price for Malkin is a high scoring forward, a prospect, and a first-round draft pick. Circle Florida forward Jonathan Huberdeau. Sources mentioned his name but it is unclear if Florida or Pittsburgh used his name in discussions. The 25-year-old Huberdeau was drafted as a center but has made his mark as a point-producing left wing who potted 30 goals and 92 points this season.

Look… no one is arguing that Malkin isn’t an incredible hockey player. But at 32 years of age he’s simply NOT worth what the Penguins are demanding in return. Huberdeau outscored Malkin by a wide margin this past season and the Penguins want the Panthers to add a prospect AND a first round pick on top? Seems way too steep…

Then again, if the plan is to sell tickets and jerseys in Florida, maybe it isn’t so crazy?