It could be the end for Evgeni Malkin with the Penguins and a new destination for him?

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Jeff Drouin
July 2, 2022 (3:03 PM)

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The situation of free agents without compensation has been the talk of the Pittsburgh Penguins for several weeks now, as two of the team's pillars for the past 15 years, Evgeni Malkin and Kristopher Letang, will be free as a bird as of July 13.

It was often mentioned lately that the negotiations between the Penguins organization and the two veterans were going quite well, even that the chances were good to see Malkin and Letang back in Pittsburgh next year.

However, as reported by Maxime Ouellet of Habsolumentfan.com, it looks like there's some news on the Malkin front, and it's not good news for Penguins fans.

According to Josh Yohe, assigned to cover the Penguins for The Athletic, several agents have reportedly mentioned to him that this is the end for Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh, and that he may be free as a bird in a few days. The reporter also reports that negotiations between the two clans are at a standstill with less than two weeks to go before the free-agent market opens.

We recall that Malkin received an apparently ridiculous offer from the Penguins, as did Letang, and that Sidney Crosby was not at all pleased. It should also be mentioned that the Penguins organization does not have a lot of money available on the payroll and that the team's leaders are probably at a crossroads regarding the number 71.

Penguins GM Ron Hextall is still interested in retaining Malkin's services, as is Letang, but he reportedly told some people he talks to regularly that he is unsure about the Russian forward's return next season.

But it must be said that Malkin has been slowed down by injuries in the last two seasons, having played only 74 games in two years, but still collecting 70 points.

Is it time to turn the page on Malkin's great time in Pittsburgh? Seeing him play for a new team and change his address would be really special and weird to see.

It will definitely be one of the most interesting things to watch in the next few weeks.