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Updates on Malkin and Letangs contract status

October 6, 2021, 1:37 PM ET [120 Comments]
Ryan Wilson
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Technically, the Penguins can sign Evgeni Malkin and/or Kris Letang at any point during the season. The two star players have both expressed an interest in remaining Penguins. Has that led to fruitful contract talks?




To this point it has not. Everything is in the beginning stages so far

Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins: There have been several conversations between Letang’s camp and Penguins management throughout the offseason, I’m told, but nothing imminent as far as an extension. This is a delicate one. The organization greatly values what the veteran blueliner has delivered during his terrific career in Pittsburgh but also is wary I think of giving him too many years on a contract they might regret. A short-term deal is possible from the team’s perspective but all things being equal, I think Letang himself is willing to be patient here to see how the season plays out. Are the Penguins still contenders? Is there a better contract for him on the market on July 13? There are many factors at play here. This one could go either way.


I don't think this is a bad idea from either side. The Penguins should definitely want to see this year's sample before making any decisions. Letang's point totals were decent last year, but it masked a huge decline in his ability to drive play. A decline that had yet to be seen over the many years he has been playing



If I'm the Penguins I want to see some evidence of that play driving ability to rebound from where it was last year. It is a potential red flag.

I also think it is fair for Letang to likewise evaluate the Penguins. Let's be honest. The ship may be sinking with no ability to plug the holes. If this season results in a failure to make the playoffs for the first time since 2005-06 I could definitely understand if Letang didn't want the last years of his career spent in hockey purgatory.

Malkin's current situation is similar to Letang's as far as negotiations. There isn't much going on at the moment.

Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins: I’m told there haven’t been any real extension talks between Malkin’s camp and Penguins management this offseason and I think both sides are fine with that at this point; the veteran centre focused on his health and recovery from offseason surgery. But obviously at some point in time, probably closer to the end of the season, there will be talks, and another delicate conversation is coming. Of course the Penguins want Malkin back, but I can’t imagine on a long-term deal that they would regret. It has to make sense for them as they soon enter a transition phase for the organization.


Malkin's situation is a little different because of the injury situation. Can Malkin bounce back from this knee injury at age 35? It is no guarantee. The Penguins should let things play out because I do think Malkin's intentions are to sign with the Penguins regardless of the team situation. If he comes back and looks pedestrian that should definitely impact the contract the Penguins offer.

Unlike Letang there are no red flags sticking out as far as massive drops in ability to drive play or produce. He is still a very productive player... when healthy.



Unless these players take short term deals with a massive discount from their current AAV's I think both the players and the team are wise to let things play out this season.

Thanks for reading!
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