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Evgeni Malkin linked to Western Conference contender, per respected insider Nick Kypreos
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Respected NHL insider Nick Kypreos has linked the Minnesota Wild to Penguins star forward Evgeni Malkin, as they look to push for a Stanley Cup.
With the March 6th trade deadline looming, the Minnesota Wild are at the center of the NHL rumors again. Ever since acquiring star defenseman Quinn Hughes in a blockbuster trade, there has been a buzz around another major trade for the Wild.
Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos speculated about Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins being traded to Minnesota.
What Nick Kypreos believes Bill Guerin is planning
Kypreos believes that Bill Guerin is laying low, scouring the market, and setting up what could potentially be his next big move.
"There's talk of [Guerin] laying low in the weeds looking to make another significant trade, and wondering if Russian Kirill Kaprizov can help convince Malkin to join the Wild for a playoff run. If Malkin allows it, expect him to move before the deadline."
- Nick Kypreos
- Nick Kypreos
Malkin, who turned 39 in February, is in the final year of a four-year, $24.4 million deal signed when free agency opened in 2022 and still has a no-move clause on his contract.
However, even as he's being chased by age, Malkin is an enormous presence for the Penguins. He is a three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins (2009, 2016, 2017).
He has 1,376 points (523 goals, 853 assists), all of which came along with the Penguins.
Why Evgeni Malkin would fit in well right away with the Wild
This year alone, he has posted 30 points (9 goals, 21 assists), which, if he were to be a member of the Wild, ranks him fourth in the points standings after Kirill Kaprizov (51), Matt Boldy (49), and Marcus Johansson/Joel Eriksson Ek (both 32).
The Penguins, on the other hand, are vying for a wildcard spot in the East with 51 points, one more than the total of both Buffalo and Washington.
With the upcoming Olympic roster freeze scheduled from February 4 to 22, trade rumors are likely to pick up steam.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 10 | 75 ANSWERS Evgeni Malkin linked to Western Conference contender, per respected insider Nick Kypreos Will Evgeni Malkin be a member of the Minnesota Wild by the trade deadline? | ||
| Yes | 13 | 17.3 % |
| No | 62 | 82.7 % |
| List of polls | ||