Evgeni Malkin Expected To Stay With Penguins Despite Growing Sell-Off Speculation

Evgeni Malkin Expected To Stay Despite Penguins Trade Talk© Instagram

Pittsburgh's poor start has brought the trade questions back early. Evgeni Malkin, however, may be staying put even if Kyle Dubas starts moving veterans.

Speaking on Tuesday's Daily Faceoff LIVE, NHL insider David Pagnotta said he did not expect Malkin to leave the Penguins. The 40-year-old has remained productive, recording six goals and 16 points through his first 16 games, and holds considerable control over a potential trade. For a player who chose Pittsburgh again last summer, another losing stretch does not necessarily mean he wants a different jersey.

Malkin Holds Considerable Say Over His Future

“So I'm not expecting Geno to go anywhere,” Pagnotta said.

His reasoning centered on Malkin's three-team trade list, which Pagnotta said is due in January. Malkin could choose destinations unlikely to pursue him, effectively making a deal difficult without needing an unrestricted veto.

Pagnotta floated Chicago, Vancouver and Philadelphia as examples. Those were hypothetical choices, not teams Malkin has submitted or approved.

The insider also said he expected Sidney Crosby to remain and did not anticipate Kris Letang being part of the sell-off. In Malkin's case, Pagnotta's understanding was that Pittsburgh would allow its longtime stars to continue while they were still producing.

That expectation fits Malkin's recent decisions. He signed another one-year contract in May rather than leave as a free agent. Pittsburgh Hockey Now's Dan Kingerski noted Wednesday that Malkin had repeatedly resisted opportunities to move elsewhere, including during his previous contract negotiations in 2022.

Kingerski nevertheless left room for Malkin to reconsider whether he wanted another Stanley Cup chase. His assessment was that the veteran's wishes still needed to become clearer.

Pittsburgh's Struggles Put Dubas Under Pressure

The Penguins were 6–10–2 when Daily Faceoff published its report, a sharp disappointment after last season's playoff appearance. Reports of an earlier sale have followed.

Kingerski reported that other clubs were calling about Pittsburgh's veterans. He also described Dubas as having previously set asking prices that discouraged deals, rather than behaving like an executive eager to clear out his roster.

How far those prices move could determine which trades become possible. Kingerski argued that moving some veterans for smaller returns was more plausible than simply waiving players to open places for prospects.

Malkin's own recent work has included three assists against Los Angeles and another two against Anaheim. Pittsburgh won the first game and lost the second. He has continued contributing through the slump; whether he wants to finish the season elsewhere remains his decision to weigh.