Mark Madden: Bringing back Evgeni Malkin leaves Penguins stuck in no-man’s land
TribLIVE.com • • sports
Key Points:
- The Pittsburgh Penguins have decided to keep 39-year-old Evgeni Malkin for another season, a move seen as beneficial for fans, team culture, and new ownership, but potentially detrimental to the team's competitive future.
- General Manager Kyle Dubas likely re-signed Malkin reluctantly, as the veteran's presence limits opportunities for younger players like Ville Koivunen and Egor Chinakhov to develop in top roles.
- The Penguins are criticized for clinging to aging stars and nostalgia rather than focusing on building a younger, more competitive roster, which has contributed to their lack of playoff success since 2018.
- Despite having significant salary cap space, the team faces challenges in balancing veteran contracts and promoting youth, risking another season of early playoff elimination without meaningful progress.
- The article suggests the Penguins are prioritizing fan engagement and tradition over competitive rebuilding, with no quick fixes on the horizon to close the gap with top playoff contenders.