Evgeni Malkin to test free agency
The Pittsburgh Penguins were informed just after 4:00 p.m. today that center Evgeni Malkin has decided to test free agency on Wednesday. The Malkin camp led by To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”! have completely cut off negotiations with the Penguins ahead of the start of free agency. Increments of progress in talks were made over the weekend but a sizeable gap remained between the two sides before talks ended hours ago.
A source close to the situation said To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”! ‘excited’ to go on the free agent market for the first time in his career.
Meanwhile for the Penguins, they have some clarity entering free agency with the 36 hour + notice. One situation to monitor is the potential resigning of forward E[hide]van Rodrigues as the Rodrigues camp hasn’t closed the door on the two sides coming to an agreement before Wednesday. The door is also open to the Penguins pivoting to a Rickard Rakell extension quickly as it will take a Kyle Palmieri type contract (4×5) to keep Rakell from testing free agency. [/hide]
I agree if they trade a Dman that would take the cap space at a little over 20 million. I would sign Trochek an resign Rakell for the second line.
100 % agree.. They have $15.3 million in cap space and if they trade say Marcus Petersson that is $19.7 million in space. They can sign Trocheck who is a better overall player than Malkin at this point for $5.5 or $6 million. Lets say $ 6 million that leaves $13 million to resign Rakell/Rodriques and others. right now we have 9 forwards signed right now we have 6 defenseman signed right now we have two goalies signed. So signing Trocheck is forward number 10, then we have 13 million left, then you resign Rakell forward number 11 at say… Read more »
No waiting… apparently they offered 4×6.1MM. Maybe it was the early lowball, I dunno but the fact is they met his demands and he’s made his choice and the Pens absolutely need to fill that hole.
Probably gonna be Trochek, he’s gonna give more per shift but the finish isn’t there. So they will need to add a high caliber winger to the roster too.
Should be interesting on Wednesday that’s for sure. They have what? 16 to work with? Still pending a trade of a 3-4 million D-man
Agree with you zero. but I think his finish will be good. He had 32 goals for Florida in 2017 and 21 last year with the Hurricanes. No reason he can’t get between 25 and 30 in Pittsburgh playing with possibly Rakell and Zucker. Plus he has some grit, he is good on faceoffs, and knows where the other side of the red line is…
Malkin goes in to the witness protection program if he crosses in to the defensive side of the red line.
Yoda, what do you think they should do at the 2nd center spot? Trochek?, Miller? , Kadri?
We can’t afford Kadri he will want close to $ 9 million and he is 31, Miller is awesome just don’t have the good to get him???
thank god