Shady Machine
Registered User
- Aug 6, 2010
- 36,704
- 8,141
I don't think Mario is going to. But if he is going to absolutely ruthlessly pursue Crosby's window here to the last drop then, yeah, the understanding needs to be that Malkin takes a market value contract or we wish Malkin good luck. What market value is is kinda undetermined at this point due to his play, but right now the idea of him being worth 9.5m all the way through 22-23 to 24-25 is an eyebrow raiser.
And while we'd be hoping one of Barkov, Couturier, or Hertl would reach UFA and we could throw a bunch of money at them and change the franchise's arc post Sid (well, Hertl's knee might be an issue; maybe add Zibanejad if you're high on him), really it'd be hard to do worse in UFA than 9.5m for three years of *this* Malkin. Which he probably won't stay as, but it seems likely he could turn into during that next contract. And maybe fast. Malkin's physical decline isn't as big an issue as him maybe being unable to adapt to it.
Wait and see. Too much is being said about Malkin at this point.
Reasonable response as always. The reality is Pens aren’t winning dick without either a very good 2C or a solid 2C with an elite play driving winger. They don’t have anything in house so your best bet is either do whatever you can to keep and support Malkin or throw money at whatever close to elite UFA you can find.
Only reason why I bring up the Malkin extension now is this is a convo that needs to happen this summer. Letting Malkin chill on ice (or vice versa) is not good for anyone next year. 3 year extension this summer in the 8.5m ballpark per is pretty good to me and probably the best you can do unless Geno feels generous or a really open to walking.