Dan’s Daily Links: Malkin Considering Future, Toronto Offseason Rumors

And here we go. Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin has long been a cornerstone of the Penguins team and its marketing effort, even as fans have warred with each other over the farcical battlelines drawn between Malkin vs. Sidney Crosby. However, Malkin is now considering his future with the Penguins. Also today, the Toronto Maple Leafs have some major decisions which could make big headlines and the Buffalo Sabres may pluck a Penguins assistant coach.

Last night, Elliotte Friedman dropped a couple of nuggets and a little bomb about Evgeni Malkin. And perhaps you will read between the lines about the next Buffalo coach in the same way I did. Paging Jacques Martin (#8). (Sportsnet)

That dovetails with what this crazy writer told you last week. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Including Artemi Panarin (and Malkin?), Florida GM Dale Tallon must be salivating at the talented Russians which may be available. Buyer beware if they are coming to play hockey or coming for the beach.

Columbus. Holy cow. The organization finally got their playoff series win. Now, they’re chugging towards a second. Boston has tried to pound them into the ice and Columbus has been able to hit back just as hard (and harder) and keep moving.

Here is the Game 3 Report Card from the Columbus side (The Athletic)

Signing Mitch Marner is the top priority in Toronto but that won’t be cheap. Expect the contract ask to be around $11 million per. That’s going to put GM Kyle Dubas in a tough spot. Here is one take on Toronto offseason game plan (Pension Plan Puppets)

One reason Carolina is up 2-0 on the New York Islanders: Jordan Staal. The big center is scoring and preventing goals. He’s been defending Mathew Barzal. (New York Post)

The Sharks are up 2-1 after their Game 3 rebound. Here is what we learned (NBC sports)

Dan’s Daily Links are sponsored by Redbeard’s on 6th Ave. Downtown and Mt. Washington! Click on the banner for specials. Wednesday is all-you-can-eat wings. …I’ll see you there.