In addition to the trade deadline, now less than 48 hours away, there’s a weightier issue on Kyle Dubas’s plate.
Should our POHO/GM extend Pens great Evgeni Malkin for another season? Or should he let the UFA-to-be walk?
First, the pros, and there are plenty of ‘em. At the ripe old age of 39, Malkin is enjoying a marvelous season. Despite missing 15 games with what’s rumored to be a wonky shoulder, Geno’s tied for the team lead in assists (34) and second in points (47). His points per game of 1.04, virtually identical to Sidney Crosby’s team-best 1.05.
He’s been a play-driver for not one but two productive units, the Big Line with Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha pre-injury, as well as his current line with Tommy Novak and budding star Egor Chinakhov. Both lines have been wildly successful.
You can certainly argue that Geno’s presence, not to mention pristine setups, have had much to do with Chinakhov’s stunning emergence. A quick glance at the scoring logs reveals that No. 71 has assisted on six of his countryman’s 11 black-and-gold goals.
Indeed, the Russians have blended like peas and carrots, or red borscht and vodka if you prefer.
Then there’s the way Geno looks. Simply put, he’s galloping on the ice like a frisky colt set out to pasture for the first time. There’s a palpable joy and energy in his game. I’ve written on numerous occasions that he miraculously appears to have turned back the clock a good five years if not more. All the more remarkable when you consider he appeared to be fading into his twilight in 2024-25.
To say nothing of his emotional impact and presence in the locker room.
As for the cons?
It appears the shift to left wing is permanent. Observers more knowledgeable than I suggest struggles in the neutral zone preclude the two-time NHL scoring champion from playing his traditional center position any longer. As good a season as he’s having, Geno’s advanced 5v5 stats are okay but not great, with the notable exception of goals for percentage (57.89), which you could certainly argue is the most important.
With only 13 goals on the heels of a 16-goal season, his shot isn’t what it once was. And the big guy remains a bit injury prone.
Perhaps the biggest road-block of all?
Dubas himself.
Although complimentary of Geno during a radio show last night, he appears to be slow-playing negotiations, much as he did with Jake Guentzel a couple of seasons back. Calling a spade a spade, if Dubas really wanted to sign the former Hart and Conn Smythe Trophy winner…BAM…he’d get a deal done. Much as he did with fourth-line-wonder Blake Lizotte earlier this season.
If Dubas does intend to sign Malkin, it doesn’t make sense for him to delay. Especially since the current situation appears to be causing Geno undue anxiety. Understandably so.
As a general rule, a happy, worry-free player is a productive player.
Dan Kingerski of PHN hints there are those in the organization who believe Dubas wants to turn the page, roster-wise, and isn’t keen on re-signing Malkin. At least from a distance, that sure appears to be the case.
As the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
My two cents? I re-up Geno in a heartbeat. This would be no charity or nostalgia signing. He’s absolutely earned a new deal with his play. Cap space isn’t an issue. We’ve got gobs of it.
Sign him for another season, which would match the term of Crosby’s current contract. If he falters, deal with it then.
In the meantime, allow a black-and-gold legend and one of the top four players in franchise history to go out on his terms.