Penguins to force Evgeni Malkin into a major change

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Joshua Deeds
August 4, 2022 (5:34 PM)

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Evgeni Malkin just got paid in the off-season with a $6.1 Million cap hit, which means he will be a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins into the 2025-2026 season. With the rumors that the Penguins are looking to add a center, it appears Mike Sullivan may end up adjusting lines once the season arrives.

Malkin is projected to be the 2nd-line center on DailyFaceoff.com, however, according to The Athletic's Rob Rossi, they may shake things up.

Malkin on this current $24.4 Million contract will see him shift to the Winger, as the Penguins may make a future play for JT Miller, it appears that he will be shifting between Center and Winger in the meantime.

Inevitably, and against his true desire, Malkin is going to probably play more on the wing on this four-year contract. Especially if, as I suspect is in the cards, the Penguins are in play for J.T. Miller next offseason. Miller can play center or on the wing.

It will be interesting to see who will Center Malkin if Jason Zucker is moved, as the chemistry between the two hasn't been there. According to Rossi, Zucker's projected linemate(s) will certainly end up being Jeff Carter on the 3rd line.

This goes to show, that despite everything, the Penguins have depth, but how will Malkin on the Wing work out as his production slows down?

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