NHL Analyst Reveals Whether Evgeni Malkin's Resurgence Could Force the Penguins Into a Trade
Evgeni Malkin is off to a red-hot start in 2025/26, and with just one year left on his contract, the Penguins could sell high on him despite their success.
The Pittsburgh Penguins were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NHL in 2025/26, but after a month of action, they sit tied for first place in the Metropolitan Division with an 8-3-2 record.
There are many reasons behind the Penguins success, but perhaps the most surprising is the line of Justin Brazeau-Evgeni Malkin-Anthony Mantha, who have arguably been the best line in hockey.
Evgeni Malkin Trade Incoming?
The driver of that line remains Malkin, who has tallied an incredibly impressive 3 goals and 18 points in 13 games this season at 39-years of age, and in his final season of his current contract, there were plenty of trade rumours surrounding him heading into the 2025/26 season.
Analysts have now begun talking about Malkin's situation, and while this team is buzzing right now, their long-term outlook needs to remain the priority, meaning that a trade for Malkin is still the most likely outcome.
On paper, trading Malkin makes the most sense for GM Kyle Dubas, as he could net a major return for a contending team looking for a 2C, and given his red-hot start, he's shown that he's still capable of dominating a game in the NHL.
Ultimately, if the Penguins want to keep their youth movement going, getting a pick or even a prospect in return for Malkin is the best way to go about things, but if the team are still contending, there's always a chance that Kyle Dubas wants to keep the band together.
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