Malkin preparing for move to wing; Latest buzz

Quick Hits.

Those close to Evgeni Malkin tell me the Penguins star center is preparing for a potential move to wing once training camp opens on September 18th. Malkin has been told by the Penguins coaching staff to expect a position switch to some extent and the 2008-2009 NHL points leader is open to playing wing.

Some inside the organization believe a move to wing will bring out Malkin's goal scoring potential and get him back to being a 45+ goal scorer. He is still viewed as being the best pure goal scorer on the team

Top prospect Eric Tangradi is having a strong development camp and appears to be on the cusp of being NHL ready. There is a vibe that the Penguins want Tangradi to spend a month or two in Wilkes Barre but the team is expected to go into training camp with an open mind regarding Tangradi's chances of making the opening day roster.

Expectations are for Tangradi to play a prominent role alongside Sidney Crosby long-term but for the short-term, team evaluators see him as a perfect fit on a line with Jordan Staal to begin his NHL career.

If possible, adding a veteran third line center via free agency remains a top priority for the Penguins. For the time being, the team has shown little interest in Jeff Halpern and Dominic Moore but remain in the mix for one particular third line center.