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SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Pittsburgh Penguins have suddenly become the center of NHL trade speculation. While the players mentioned in rumors have been available for some time, the perception was that general manager Kyle Dubas had set exorbitant prices, signaling he wasn't actively looking to sell. However, over the past couple of weeks, the team's fortunes have plummeted, and the supporting cast around the stars can no longer compensate for players who, while still effective, are no longer the dominant forces they once were.
In his preseason press conference, Dubas acknowledged that the team could no longer rely solely on its core three players and that management and the rest of the roster needed to shoulder the load. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, that hasn't happened, and trade chatter is now dominating the internet. Mere rumors are being treated as fact, creating a cacophony of speculation.
Malkin's Trade List
One pressing question is whether Evgeni Malkin, who must submit a list of three teams he'd accept a trade to by January, might include teams he knows wouldn't pursue him, or perhaps a team like Minnesota if they expressed interest. The postgame locker room isn't the place to ask, but the query will likely be posed at the first opportunity. The sense is that the Penguins' stars are grappling with their reality and deciding what they truly want: another Stanley Cup run or the pride of finishing their careers in Pittsburgh. They can't have both. Malkin has resisted leaving in the past, having could have chased money and a bigger role elsewhere in 2022 and again last summer, but chose to stay. It wouldn't be surprising if he sabotaged a potential trade. Notably, a couple of prominent media members mentioned Minnesota as a possible destination within 24 hours last week, which seemed like a deliberate backchannel to gauge Malkin's interest.
Edvinsson's Price Too High
Regarding a trade for Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings, the Penguins have likely inquired, but Dubas has said he'll call on every mid-20s player who becomes available. However, Edvinsson would come at a steep cost, far exceeding Pittsburgh's current trade budget. A defenseman of his caliber and age would require multiple high picks or one very high pick. Chicago gave up a fourth-overall selection for third-pairing defenseman Bo Byram, and the cost for Edvinsson would be similar. So, the Penguins should absolutely not pursue him at that price.
Dubas to Lower Asking Prices?
Will Dubas soften his demands to facilitate trades and promote young players? The scuttlebutt is that teams are calling, and Dubas will likely get more realistic in his asks for veterans. As for giving up on the season and waiving veterans to make room for young prospects like Avery Hayes, Rutger McGroarty, Jake Livanavage, and one or both of Harrison Brunicke and Owen Pickering, that's probably not happening. The team is out of the playoff hunt, but waiving veterans doesn't erase financial obligations (unlike in the NFL, a common misunderstanding among American fans). How would the ownership group react to a $40 million payroll in Wilkes-Barre? Probably not well. Dubas has indicated he'll make tough decisions when the time is right, but a rapid exodus and financial hit aren't on his menu. Dumping mid-card veterans for less than full value, however, is entirely possible.
Ovechkin's Slump a Cautionary Tale for Crosby?
Could Alex Ovechkin's sluggish start at age 41 impact whether Sidney Crosby plays more than one more season? It might affect Crosby, but in a different way. Everyone knows Ovechkin is 41, has gained weight, and isn't the same player. Crosby likely sees that as a cautionary tale about his own mortality, but not necessarily his performance. Unless Crosby starts gaining weight and slowing dramatically, he'll keep going. But none of us can ignore when an older colleague slows down and wonder about ourselves.
Koivunen's Success
How many points would equate to a successful season for Ville Koivunen? 25 to 30 points seems reasonable, but points alone don't tell the whole story. Those 25-30 points would be fine if he's playing well, but not if he's invisible and not making an impact.
Karlsson for Nikishin?
Would Dubas dangle Erik Karlsson in a potential trade for Alex Nikishin? The Penguins' player personnel department and scouting staff deserve respect; they've had far more hits than misses under Wes Clark in recent years. If they like Nikishin, Dubas should absolutely consider such a move.
Silovs Deserves More Credit
Which Penguins player isn't getting enough credit for his play this season? Arturs Silovs. He's been quite good, stats be damned. Publicly available high-danger chance metrics don't differentiate between breakaways, good shots from the circle, turnovers near the net, or other maladies the Penguins have inflicted on Silovs (and Sergei Murashov) this season. The Penguins are giving up breakaways and two-on-ones by the truckload, and Silovs has hung in there. Yet he faces criticism. It's baffling. And the phrase 'he's allowed to make a save' will never be used here—it strips context and discounts the other saves he makes on breakaways and odd-man rushes.
Kuzmenko Tradeable?
With Andrei Kuzmenko struggling in this system, he should be traded if possible. Is he tradeable at his $5 million cap hit? The team might as well ship him out to make room for Rutger McGroarty. In a full season, McGroarty would likely put up similar points, and the defensive side would improve. Unfortunately, Kuzmenko was never going to fit well in Pittsburgh's system—this was noted in multiple stories back in July, so it's not hindsight. However, there just won't be a market for him. A talented but low-scoring winger with defensive issues and a lack of speed isn't a sought-after commodity. But the offensive production with McGroarty would be similar, and the defensive side would improve.
Originally reported by yahoo.