Exclusive: Malkin, Dubas to Speak Next Week; Player Waiting on His Future
NEW YORK — Following the 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins star center Evgeni Malkin addressed the game and addressed his future with the club.
However, in a series of updates following the initial publication of the story and comments by Malkin, a new story has emerged.
In the wake of Malkin’s postgame comments, a source with firsthand knowledge told Pittsburgh Hockey Now that Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas had planned to meet with Malkin early next week. Malkin’s representatives were aware of the meeting.
And Malkin was informed after his comments about the meeting, as well.
**EDITOR’S NOTE: In keeping with the fluid situation, PHN has updated the story to reflect the changing situation. And those developments certainly change the context of the story that emerged in the minutes following Saturday’s game.
The Penguins did earn a point and left Madison Square Garden with an eight-point lead over the Columbus Blue Jackets for a playoff spot and a four-point lead and three games in hand over the Washington Capitals.
Independent of the game, Malkin also addressed what comes next for him. The 39-year-old forward had a strong game, even as most of the team slumbered through the second and third periods in the team’s eighth shootout loss this season.
Per prior reports from Pittsburgh Hockey Now, Malkin’s representation and Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas had planned to discuss the issue during the Olympic break.
However, Malkin admitted that conversation in earnest didn’t really happen.
“I don’t know if it’s serious or not, but we talked a little bit with (my agent) J.P. (Barry) a couple of days ago, and he just said wait until the end of the season and see what’s going on,” said Malkin. “Nothing I can say right now. I’m just playing.”
This season, Malkin has posted more than a point per game, despite a nagging shoulder injury, which seems to be significantly better following the three-week layoff of the Olympic break.
In 43 games, Malkin has 46 points, including 13 goals. He had a pair of high-danger chances in the final seconds of overtime Saturday, but New York goalie Igor Shesterkin made a couple of game-saving saves.
“I just play my game and just wait. I know, and I’m (inaudible) injury. I want to help the team win, of course, and again, (there’s) no crazy news,” Malkin said. “I’m just waiting. And my agent told me, we’ll wait for the end of the season.”
Oddly, the ABC telecast featured a pregame conversation regarding Malkin trade talk, irrespective of all reporting and stated comments that Malkin would not welcome a trade. He does have a full no-movement clause.
The Penguins stalwart remains a central figure for the team. And since he returned from a month-long injury absence on Jan. 8, Malkin has primarily played on the wing with Tommy Novak at center and Egor Chinakhov on the other wing.
While the move was initially to protect Malkin’s injured shoulder because he had trouble taking faceoffs, Malkin appears to be on the mend and took four faceoffs Saturday.
“Geno’s been–you see–when he’s driving like that–the chances he got in overtime. I mean, the year he’s having right now, I think that’s where his game’s at,” said coach Dan Muse.
“(Malkin) has been a huge part of why we are where we’re at right now.”
PHN Analysis
It has become a collision of plans and a new reality. Make no mistake, summer reports that Dubas did not plan to offer Malkin a new contract were valid. However, when confronted with the reality, both sides had to reevaluate and retrench in the new situation.
That new paradigm is that Malkin is playing extremely well; he is producing well above a $6 million player, and his skating looks good, too.
Malkin has forced Dubas’s hand. A GM who wants badly to move to the next chapter and get to his rebuild plan, but is hamstrung by star players, also including Kris Letang, who have sacrificed to remain with the organization, who have delivered loyalty, goals, championships, and … ticket sales.
Malkin is part of the culture and fabric of the organization. That’s not easily removed, and nor should it be.
Dubas is trapped. However, it would behoove him to make the decision. If he wants to move on, do so. Let Malkin make his decision to play elsewhere or retire. Malkin deserves that courtesy, and he deserves a proper goodbye if that is indeed what Dubas wants.
Waiting until after the season to inform Malkin he’s no longer needed would be ice cold.
Denying him a goodbye would come with a bevy of negative public reaction, just as new owners are set to take over the team and would presumably not want any more reasons for fans to leave. Afterall, the Penguins are already near the bottom of the league in attendance.
Of course, Malkin also deserves another contract, too.
Categorized:Penguins News
