After a rare extended break the Penguins will get back to work with a back to back against the Buffalo Sabres. Tonight will be in Western New York while tomorrow’s contest will be back in Pittsburgh.

Tonight we may see the return of two players for Pittsburgh. It appears that Evgeni Malkin is on track to return to the lineup. We may also see Ian Cole find his way back to his normal spot in the defense rotation. This might have something to do with it

I’m hearing that Ian Cole will likely be a trade deadline transaction, probably for pennies on the dollar. No interest from GMs as a high-value trade target now. Jim Rutherford has offered him around, but but asking price (1st or 2nd) doesn’t interest GMs right now.

— Adrian Dater (@adater) December 1, 2017

It remains to be seen how accurate the report is. If true, it makes a lot more sense to keep Ian Cole around and lose him for nothing. The only situation it makes sense to trade Cole is if they fill another positional need or acquire a meaningful draft pick they can use as trade bait.

After losing quite a bit in November the Penguins have the opportunity ahead of them this weekend to find themselves on a four game winning streak. It would be the first of its kind in the 2017-18 season for them. The Sabres are a 44.9 xGF% team which is bottom five in the league. Their defense remains a real weakness and with Malkin’s return to the lineup it should give the Sabres back end fits. Maybe this is what the Penguins need to start showing some life at even-strength. They are way too reliant on their power play (which is very good).

Thanks for reading!

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