Malkin wanted out if Kessel returned

[Static]

Has this been discussed? Pretty great article on Malkin and his relationship with Phil.

Click to read more...

 

[tony d]

Interesting. Before the Penguins won back to back cups I always saw Malkin being traded. Doubt it happens now but imagine if Kessel had stayed a Penguin.

 

[Filthy Dangles]

 

[ohheyhemsky]

So what's the breakdown on the Kessel/Sullivan fued?

 

[Sansbacon]

So what's the breakdown on the Kessel/Sullivan fued?

There’s a no hotdog in the shower policy.

 

[Trap Jesus]

Not that anything is confirmed on this, but seems like a pot calling the kettle black situation if it is true. They're both enigmatic players on the ice.

 

[Bandit]

So Malkin and Kessel were "great friends" but couldn't play another second together because of the coach? Okay.

 

[pown]

Damn this is interesting , hopefully Kessel comments on this and doesnt just give us the typical “ Thats behind me now”

I want drama damnit

 

[Barrie22]

Malkin hasn't been just worrying about his stats the last 10 years? Sure seems that way from a outsiders point of view.

 

[K Fleur]

So what's the breakdown on the Kessel/Sullivan fued?

Probably similar to Kessel with every coach he’s had.

Kessel’s play style is one that leads to eventual frustration. Doesn’t matter how much of a “player’s coach” you have.

The big thing with Sullivan seems to be Kessel’s unwillingness to play on a line without Malkin.

 

[Devilsfan118]

Man.. can't help but feel he's a bit of a flight risk after reading that.

After all this time he still doesn't feel at home in Pittsburgh and/or in the US?

 

[Albus Dumbledore]

So Malkin and Kessel were "great friends" but couldn't play another second together because of the coach? Okay.

I don't think it's that simple. When you are a great player you expect a lot from others and if things are going south arguments and fights can happen. I think its malkin expecting more from Phil but it was amplified cause the apparently the coach had issues too.

I'm sure the whole team or atmosphere was muddied. And just made it hard for everyone.

 

[Devilsfan118]

Malkin hasn't been just worrying about his stats the last 10 years? Sure seems that way from a outsiders point of view.

Yeah, especially since the article cites that Malkin had beef with Sullivan because he wouldn't put him on the ice when the opponent had an empty net.. sounds like Geno was upset he wasn't able to pad his stats.

 

[ToDavid]

Malkin hasn't been just worrying about his stats the last 10 years? Sure seems that way from a outsiders point of view.

Is that based the Penguins incredible amount of team-level success over the past 15 years, or is it something else?

 

[K Fleur]

Malkin hasn't been just worrying about his stats the last 10 years? Sure seems that way from a outsiders point of view.

Nope.

 

[Esq]

Seems insecure of Malkin to demand a trade because your winger cares about his stats.

 

[Barrie22]

Is that based the Penguins incredible amount of team-level success over the past 15 years, or is it something else?

He just never plays like he is giving it his all. The same criticisms you can use against kessel and his game can be used with malkin.

 

[Sugi21]

Man.. can't help but feel he's a bit of a flight risk after reading that.

After all this time he still doesn't feel at home in Pittsburgh and/or in the US?

Home is where the heart is! Even if I spent a decade in Russia I’d still be yearning for good ol Saskatchewn!

 

[Kamiccolo]

I will preface this by saying, those who have been here a while know I have been one of the biggest Kessel defenders since his time with the Leafs.

HOWEVER

Is what Malkin said REALLY a surprise? That he is content with 2 cups and just wants to play and pad his stats? That's basically what we have come to know of him as a player.

This exact reason is why I haven't been as bullish on adding him for Arizona. There are no expectations there. No media following him, not a ton of fan pressure. He can skate around for 20 minutes and then go home.

I am not sure if that environment works for Phil. He is someone who has always needed to be pushed, which is why his coaches have a shelf life with him, and so do his teams.

 

[BigEezyE22]

I will preface this by saying, those who have been here a while know I have been one of the biggest Kessel defenders since his time with the Leafs.

HOWEVER

Is what Malkin said REALLY a surprise? That he is content with 2 cups and just wants to play and pad his stats? That's basically what we have come to know of him as a player.

This exact reason is why I haven't been as bullish on adding him for Arizona. There are no expectations there. No media following him, not a ton of fan pressure. He can skate around for 20 minutes and then go home.

I am not sure if that environment works for Phil. He is someone who has always needed to be pushed, which is why his coaches have a shelf life with him, and so do his teams.

Like some people can't fathom the notion that Geno likes Phil on a personal level but recognizes they're not a good fit on the ice for too long if a time.

 

[Kamiccolo]

Like some people can't fathom the notion that Geno likes Phil on a personal level but recognizes they're not a good fit on the ice for too long if a time.

I'm not sure what this has to do with my comment.

 

[BigEezyE22]

I'm not sure what this has to do with my comment.

Guess that a lot of people (not you) confused by Geno saying he likes Phil but doesn't want to play with him...to the point of requesting a trade.

 

[CupInSIX]

Guess that a lot of people (not you) confused by Geno saying he likes Phil but doesn't want to play with him...to the point of requesting a trade.

Kessel's worse than MacKinnon when he gets back to the bench after a bad shift.

 

[bauer]

There’s a no hotdog in the shower policy.

 

[Darren McCord]

He just never plays like he is giving it his all. The same criticisms you can use against kessel and his game can be used with malkin.

Maybe in Regular season, but he gives it his all every playoff game. Him and crosby have dialed back in regular season. But as soon as Playoffs come around Malkin changes his game.

His block shots double, his hits double, and his overall game is much better. He may not give it all every games but he cares a whole lot more about winning than points.

Kessel was different he was more concerned with his Iron man streak than resting an injury. He never blocked shots or hit or did the other things outside of scoring needed to win.