New York Rangers Linked To Divisional Rivals' Legend To Secure Ideal Linemate For Artemi Panarin
Photo credit: CBC
The New York Rangers have been linked to their divisional rivals' top-six icon, Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to recent rumors. Is this an attempt to bolster or trade Artemi Panarin? General manager Chris Drury holds all the cards here.
GM Chris Drury has a mandate to improve the New York Rangers' lineup. As the Pittsburgh Penguins have begun a rebuild period, this is a time when the Rangers could get prime talent for a price.
That could involve stealing a top-six forward like Evgeni Malkin from the Penguins in order to improve the ranks in the forward core.
With the Penguins set to be out of contention, they could look to move Malkin.
Evgeni Malkin: A Blueshirt?
For Malkin, this year is likely the last he suits up for the Penguins, as his $6.1 million AAV contract expires at the end of next season.
GM Chris Drury and the New York Rangers will have to wait past the break in February during the Olympics to know of his true status with the Penguins.
Given that the situation in Pittsburgh is no longer secure for veteran players, Malkin could be the next to go.
The Russian forward could find an ideal spot in New York, as they have Mike Sullivan as the Head Coach. He could utilize Evgeni Malkin in Artemi Panarin's line to unlock the potential we missed from the 2023-24 season.
All it would take is for the forward to consider a move, as he has a no-movement clause attached.
The Hockey Buzz is reporting that New York is the only destination Malkin would waive for, thanks to the city's deep cultural ties to Russian players and the opportunity to play a top-line role. Whether it is true or not that Malkin wouldn't consider other teams is hard to determine. Anything is possible if he comes to terms with playing somewhere other than Pittsburgh.
Last season in Pittsburgh, Malkin scored 50 points (16-34) in 68 games with the Penguins.
He could solve issues that GM Chris Drury wasn't able to at the last trade deadline or free agency.
Could the Rangers build a little Russian Collusion of their own to become a threat in the Metropolitan once again?
Previously on NYRangersInsider
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