Penguins have decided they won't be giving Letang or Malkin more money
When you think of the Pittsburg Penguins especially starting in the mid to late 2000s three names come to mind that are synonymous with the franchise that still play with them today. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. These three players have not only played together for well over a decade and were key parts in their 3 Stanley Cup victories in 2009, 2016 and 2017.
Now it appears that the latter in Malkin and Letang might have to find new homes to start next season. According to Rob Rossi, a senior writer at The Athletic, Malkin and Letang are unlikely to receive any type of raise while negotiating new contracts with the Pens next season.
Now, this doesn't mean they won't re-sign in the Steel City, but both men are in the twilight of their careers, so it would make sense that they would try to test the free-agent market to see what kind of money they can make for the limited time they have left in their careers.
Malkin, 35 was marred by injuries last season and only appeared in 41 games with the pens, however, he was over a point per game scoring 20 goals and adding 22 assists for 42 points in that span, showing even at 35, he has plenty of game left to play
Letang, also 35 had a very productive season on the back end as well skating in 78 games after having multiple career-threatening injuries scares. He scored 10 goals and added 58 assists for 68 points, proving he too, has plenty of mileage left on his game as well.
I'm not saying both men won't take a pay cut to stay in Pittsburg, I'm saying that if they wont to maximize the rest of their career earnings, I can see them testing the free-agent market this summer
| POLL | ||
Will Malkin and Letang play for new teams come puckdrop next season? | ||
| Yes, both will play for different teams | 82 | 22.5 % |
| No, they'll finish their careers in black and gold | 116 | 31.8 % |
| One will play for a different team | 167 | 45.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
