Malkin trade speculation
Paul Zeise of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: There has been some speculation that the Pittsburgh Penguins will look to trade a big named player or two this offseason.
The latest speculation is that they should/will trade center Evgeni Malkin. It has been confirmed that it is being contemplated.
Malkin does have a full no-trade, but he could give them a list of four or five teams he’s considering waiving it for. If this were to happen, the Penguins would likely get less than fair value for him.
If the Penguins do get a good offer do take it, they should then look to move Phil Kessel, Kris Letang, Patric Hornqvist and Jack Johnson. If you’re going to move someone like Malkin, move the others to remake the team.
Kessel does seem like someone who could use a change of scenery regardless of a Malkin trade or not.
Joe Starkey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Have to wonder why the Pittsburgh Penguins haven’t quieted any Evgeny Malkin trade rumors.
It may be a way of letting him know that they weren’t happy with his attitude and production, but opening the door may make it harder to shut.
Starkey wonders “How much of Malkin’s declined production and increased disenchantment is related to the deterioration of the team around him?”
Guessing that Phil Kessel gets traded and that Malkin remains with the team.
Penguins and Murray to likely talk contract extension this offseason
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: It’s likely that at some point this offseason that Penguins GM Jim Rutherford with start contract extension talks with goaltender Matt Murray who has one year left on his contract.
Murray will make $3.75 million next season and it shouldn’t be that hard for the sides to find a common ground.
Comparables could have Murray asking for six years at $6 million per.
Comparables are Braden Holtby (five years at $6.1 million per), Martin Jones (six years at $5.75 million per), Connor Hellebuyck (six years at $6.167 million per), and John Gibson (eight years at $6.4 million per).
Rutherford at their season-ending press conference on Murray’s contract.
“I can’t give you a good answer,” Rutherford said. “I haven’t got to that point to think about it. I have a number of other things to deal with first. You’re right. Sometimes I do jump ahead on it. In due course I’ll take a look at that.”