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NHL Analyst Reveals Why Evgeni Malkin Keeps Being Linked to the Florida Panthers
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey News
NHL analyst Daria Mironova has revealed that not a single Panthers player is in the NHL's top 10 in scoring, and they desperately need a Sasha Barkov replacement.
NHL analyst Daria Mironova recently had people buzzing about a renewed Evgeni Malkin to Florida link, despite the fact that the veteran center is still an active member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The rumor mill is a result of the Florida Panthers' slow start to the season and lengthy list of absentees. As of now, not a single Panthers forward or defenseman is featured in the NHL's top-10 in individual scoring.
Injuries to Matthew Tkachuk, Tomas Nosek, and Aleksander Barkov, along with Dmitry Kulikov's season-long shoulder injury, have made the defending back-to-back champions juggle their lineup on a constant basis.
That's what set off speculation that Florida would pursue Malkin, a three-time Stanley Cup winner and two-time Art Ross Trophy winner, as a short-term replacement for Barkov's loss, according to Mironova.
"The back-to-back champions have consistent roster updates due to minor injuries, debuts, and absences for personal reasons. It's an everlasting cycle. But let's analyze why, along the way, there is a rumor that the Panthers are considering pursuing a three-time Stanley Cup champion (2009, 2016, and 2017) and two-time Art Ross Trophy winner (2009 and 2012), Evgeni «Geno» Malkin, to replace Sasha Barkov."
- Daria Mironova
- Daria Mironova
Evgeni Malkin has a property in Miami and works out there every offseason
The link isn't entirely out of left field. Malkin has property in Miami, trains in Florida in the offseason, and is close with Panthers skills coach Max Ivanov, a friend and ex-Penguins employee.
Head coach Paul Maurice also coached Malkin years ago in Magnitogorsk when he played in the KHL, another player-club link.
Nevertheless, Mironova doesn't think an address change is imminent. Malkin has already spoken about his desire to complete his NHL career in Pittsburgh and is hoping for one final Stanley Cup push with Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang.
The trio's almost 20-year marriage is one of the longest-active hockey unions. With rumors still circulating, Mironova adds that legacy and sentimentality still mean something in Malkin's career.
The Florida connections may be legit, but the heart of Pittsburgh's franchise player is still in the Steel City, at least for the time being, anyway.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 29 | 121 ANSWERS NHL Analyst Reveals Why Evgeni Malkin Keeps Being Linked to the Florida Panthers Will Evgeni Malkin eventually be traded to the Panthers? | ||
| Yes | 19 | 15.7 % |
| No | 102 | 84.3 % |
| List of polls | ||