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Analysts Project Evgeni Malkin's Surprising Wingers for Next Season
Evgeni Malkin had a rotating cast of wingers last season, but in what may be his final campaign as a Penguin, analysts have now predicted an exciting duo beside him.
The 2024/25 campaign didn't go the way anyone in Pittsburgh was expecting or hoping, and that's especially true for Evgeni Malkin, who couldn't find consistency with the rotating cast of wingers he had throughout the year.
We've already heard that this upcoming year could be his last in Pittsburgh, and as a result, the Penguins coaching staff are hoping to get a consistent duo alongside the franchise icon.
Penguins Prospect Ville Koivunen Expected to Get Top-Six Bid Alongside Malkin
Now, The Hockey News have taken their shot at predicting his wingers for next season, starting with the incredibly exciting Ville Koivunen, who got some time alongside Malkin after making his NHL debut a season ago.
In that time, the 22-year old impressed, tallying 7 assists in his 8 games played, and while he didn't tally a goal, playing alongside an icon such as Malkin for an extended period would certainly help that.
Former Star Goalscorer Anthony Mantha May Be Given New Chance to Thrive Next to Malkin
The other wing is the more intriguing question, but according to THN, it's newly signed Anthony Mantha that should get that role, as he has the scoring potential that could make this top-six one of the more intriguing ones in the National Hockey League.
Ultimately, if this is Malkin's last year, the Penguins are going to do right by him and try get talent and speed around him, and with Koivunen a key piece of the future, this duo alongside Malkin would be a great option for the present and the future of the organization.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
AOUT 20 | 21 ANSWERS Analysts Project Evgeni Malkin's Surprising Wingers for Next Season Would this be a good wing pairing for Evgeni Malkin? | ||
| Yes | 18 | 85.7 % |
| No | 3 | 14.3 % |
| List of polls | ||