Let's Consider - Evgeni Malkin

by FrankD on Jun 9, 2008 8:00 AM EDT in Rumors Comment 5 comments

Stories are just starting to surface now in regards to Malkin's performance in the Finals. Similar to how Crosby played with a broken toe/fractured foot in the first round last season, Malkin was playing through the finals with the flu. Some would say he lost value because of it, but as far as I'm concerned it doesn't play a factor.

2007/08 Regular Season Stats

Name	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM
Evgeni Malkin	82	47	59	106	78

Just one look at the kid in the Finals and you knew something was wrong. His face looked flush, his eyes glazed over and his play stifled. Some speculated (including myself) that he was just slumping during the Cup run. But evidence now suggests that Geno was playing through the flu.

Malkin has one year remaining on his three-year contract, but the Pens will most likely look to lock him up during the summer. Playing it by ear till next season's end might cost them any chance of signing him in the future - especially if he comes flying out of the gate and doesn't show signs of slowing down.

Personally, I expect word to come before the middle of July on this one. Priorities speaking, Fleury is first on the list since he's a RFA - the only one this offseason. If I had to organize the remaining picks, I'd say Hossa follows in second, with a close third/tie between Malone and Orpik right behind.

The things working against this trade focus on Malkin's production this season. More points = more salary. While I'm sure Geno may consider the comfort level of playing amongst (and living with) guys like Gonchar, Crosby and Sykora, hopefully his agent won't look to hit the gas pedal when it comes to negotiations.

Some are even saying that Malkin may be on the hunt for a leadership role elsewhere. As much as I see this happening in the future, I don't see the future being anywhere within the next two to three years. Similar to Jagr/Lemieux, Malkin is still getting comfortable in his new country, skating with some of the best players in the league and finding a sense of camaraderie with Gonchar/Talbot. I don't expect him to take a discount, but I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a 3-5 year deal for a substantial amount of money per season.

Malkin will, most likely, not remain a Penguin for the remainder of his career. I do however feel he'll be with the team for at least another three years and will then find his stock rising for more money and a leadership role elsewhere.

Thoughts?

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Well, that explains his poor play right? It’s sad but he could have probably been really good if he was not sick. Do you think he could have done more if he was healthy?

by PensFanJohn on Jun 9, 2008 7:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don’t doubt Malkin could’ve played better healthy, if anything at least posing as more of a distraction on-ice. It almost seemed like Detroit knew he was down and out and kinda just stuck a body on him. However, they were also quick to rock him out if he did build up the drive to try and make something happen. In the end, I feel even a healthy Malkin would’ve had issues with Detroit’s D.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jun 10, 2008 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you. Unlike Crosby (who I could see as a Yzerman type, long term player) I don’t see Malkin spending the bulk of his career in Pittsburgh, but I don’t think he’ll be leaving quite yet. I totally agree with you about him not being entirely comfortable in North America yet, and probably finding the familiarity of Pittsburgh a strong motivation to sign back, at least for a few years.

I know a lot of people don’t believe that guys will stay with a team just because they have a better shot at winning a Cup, most people feel that money talks more than that, but I feel like with Malkin being so young, and having a lot of career (and probably some big offers) to come, he might be willing to concede a bit knowing there’s a good chance he could bring home a Cup in the near future. After all, he’d have plenty of years to play elsewhere, for more. This is just the beginning of his career.

by Dayna on Jun 9, 2008 11:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No doubt. Even if he signs on for a 3-year deal he’ll come out of that situation with just as high a demand as we’re seeing with Hossa AND he’ll be five years younger in an expanded salary cap era. I’m pretty confident he’ll remain with the Pens, but it’s the anticipation that is really killing me.

FrankD from Pensburgh.com

by FrankD on Jun 10, 2008 2:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's no way that Malkin

could take anything close to a leadership role on anyteam…except maybe the Russian National team… He needs to learn English.. and learn it well enough to where he doesn’t need a translator… ever.

Go 'Stros!

by Stros Bro on Jun 11, 2008 10:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs