Latest Pens Buzz: What rival clubs say of Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel’s future in Pittsburgh

What’s At Play Behind the Scenes for the Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins wrapped up their extensive phase of organizational meetings this week and a lot of the heavy lifting has been done. The organization has conducted a thorough evaluation of what changes, some potentially seismic that the group’s top decision makers believe that are needed to be made.

After two weeks of what’s been described as exhaustive meetings, the direction Penguins GM Jim Rutherford is said to be strongly leaning right now is towards breaking up the core, but the group plans to take a step back over the next 10-14 days, do some scouting at the World Championships, then reconvene and come to a final decision if the direction they are strongly leaning towards right now is the direction they still want to go.

Not surprisingly this lines up with Evgeni Malkin’s timetable and everything on how this off-season goes starts with Malkin.

Following an exit meeting with Malkin days after being swept by the New York Islanders, the Penguins have since communicated with Evgeni Malkin’s representatives around a week ago of how the team plans Want the Full Story? Get "Inside Access"

Rival clubs say the Penguins were informed Want the Full Story? Get "Inside Access" openness of Want the Full Story? Get "Inside Access"

Another Kessel narrative emerging:

Much is being made by the local media about Kessel’s gambling and petty stuff like Kessel not including himself in end of practice circles of what others are having for dinner that night. Apparently that story is actually out there…….

I’ve had players tell me that stuff is a complete joke, Want the Full Story? Get "Inside Access"