The NHL trade deadline is March 6, and not many predicted that the Pittsburgh Penguins would be in the playoff hunt at this point in the season. As the Penguins continue to win and the postseason gets closer, it seems more and more likely that general manager Kyle Dubas will be holding onto some of his veterans for the time being.
Can the Penguins Go the Distance?
Pittsburgh has been a surprise in the Eastern Conference this season. They have put themselves in a very good position going into February. They have been getting production from all four lines, all three defensive pairings, and their goalies. They are playing simple, smart hockey, and it has been paying off.
Dubas has made more good decisions than bad ones during his time with the Penguins. With the trade deadline a little over a month away, he has some more decisions to make. One of the big questions surrounding his team is what the future holds for Evgeni Malkin.
At the start of the season, it seemed possible that Malkin could be a potential trade candidate or that he might not play in Pittsburgh past this season. However, now that the team’s situation has changed and the playoffs are a very real possibility, will the veteran be offered an extension?
On Jan. 12, the Penguins re-signed Blake Lizotte to a three-year extension. This move revealed a lot about the direction Dubas is going in. He obviously believes they are going to qualify for the postseason, or he probably would have tried trading Lizotte for picks or prospects.
Before the season started, Dubas probably figured he would be selling off assets as the trade deadline approached. However, Malkin has proven that he can still be a positive contributor. His absence from the lineup due to injury is a big reason why the Penguins lost nine games in December.
Malkin returned to the ice on Jan. 8 and immediately made his presence known. He scored a power-play goal in his first game back from injury and helped his team get the 4-1 win over the New Jersey Devils. Pittsburgh has gone 7-2-2 since his return.
What Will Dubas Decide?
Malkin’s future with the Penguins is still up in the air, but the other big question surrounding the team is how aggressive they will be at the trade deadline. While they are currently riding a five-game winning streak, it is still possible for them to fall out of playoff contention if they hit a rough patch. It is crucial that they stay aggressive and continue stacking points.
On the flip side, there is a good chance Pittsburgh will remain in the playoff hunt, and with their rookies turning into NHL-caliber players, Dubas should consider re-signing Malkin.
Sidney Crosby has made it clear that he is not interested in leaving Pittsburgh, and Kris Letang will also more than likely retire as a Penguin. There is also a very good chance prospects like Rutger McGroarty, Harrison Brunicke, and Tristan Broz will all make the jump to the NHL next season. These young players, combined with the core, could make the Penguins a real threat in the Eastern Conference next season.
Related: Penguins Need to Stay Aggressive When They Have the Lead
It seems like the Penguins are only steps away from being competitive. With their rising cap space and their plethora of draft picks over the next three drafts, Dubas has put them in a very good position. Re-signing Malkin makes the most sense from every angle, and there isn’t really a viable replacement for him in free agency. So, will Dubas choose to gamble and keep the core together for one last run at a championship?
