Chill Thoughts

This week, I will preview some of the key offseason moves that will affect the future of the Penguins roster. Today, I go with Evgeni Malkin.

It has been a Whirling Dervish of a month for Geno Malkin, ever since his failures in the Stanley Cup. First comes the rumors that he was going to be traded to the Kings for some no-name players to make some more cap room for Hossa’s signing. Then comes his announcement that he would take a pay cut to stay on with Sid for a couple more years in the hopes of winning a Stanley Cup (a la Jagr to Buries It*). Next he’s offered 12 million+ to play for a Russian superleague. Finally he calms all of the American Penguins fans nerves by reportedly repeating he would take a paycut.

God, what a horrible offseason start for Ray Shero. His players are constantly linked in trade deals through the media, he has millions of dollars at stake for the future Stanley Cup aspirations. And he’s desperate to keep all of his players happy in the hopes of retaining the solid nucleus for years to come. The trade rumors regarding Geno have been persistent, but he has remained relatively silent about that (may also be due to his lack of English skills). Regardless, we all know he hears what’s being said, especially about his collapse during the Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup Finals, and he will be out for blood in the coming years. So hopefully all of this nonsense surrounding his future will cease and desist when he signs that long-term deal to match Sid’s loyalty to the city.

My pick: Malkin signs 7-year, $65 million deal after Sid cuts his salary slightly to keep that core happy.

*Credit to Pensblog. Too good of a nickname to pass up.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS