Dan’s Daily: Penguins Draft Trades, What if Malkin Doesn’t Re-Sign?

It was an interesting idea and one I, too, have quietly pondered. Washington Hockey Now broke the seal and openly wondered if the Pittsburgh Penguins do not re-sign Evgeni Malkin, could buddy Alex Ovechkin lure him to the Washington Capitals. It is certainly something to consider. The New York Islanders’ biggest chip on the NHL trade market appears to be firmly off the table. Auston Matthews and Cale Makar snagged the big-time NHL awards, we looked at the Penguins’ trade potentials and history of draft trades, good and bad.

There’s a big site announcement coming later this AM, but first…HOCKEY!

Pittsburgh Penguins & NHL Trade Chatter

Washington Hockey Now: When I got the text from Sammi in D.C., I loved the thought. Capitals center Nick Backstrom had hip resurfacing surgery, which is possibly career-ending. At best, he’ll be out for a long time. The Capitals need a center. If the Penguins don’t lock up Malkin, could one buddy recruit another? Could Alex Ovechkin lure Evgeni Malkin to the Washington Capitals??

Have to admit, it passes the smell test.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: If the Penguins don’t lock down Evgeni Malkin and others swoop in and snatch up the UFAs–Here are 4.5 possibilities the Pittsburgh Penguins chase on the NHL trade market.

PHN+: Dave Molinari looked at the Penguins trades on or near draft day. There have been some franchise-altering deals. Patric Hornqvist and some guy named Phil. Pittsburgh Penguins trades.

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders tanked in the first full NHL season since 2019. They have needs, yet GM Lou Lamoriello seems to be firmly holding fast to his biggest trade chip. New York Islanders analysis.

NHL News, National Hockey Now:

Colorado: The Stanley Cup Final could change. It could hinge on the Nazem Kadri returning to the Colorado lineup. Kadri has begun stickhandling. Colorado Avalanche news.

I’m not sure if I agree–Roman Josi had a ridiculous season. In the closest vote in a long time, the Norris Trophy went to Avalanche d-man Cale Makar.

Sportsnet: A bit of an upset for the Hart Trophy. Connor McDavid? No. Igor Shesterkin? No. Auston Matthews wins it.

Not even a fifth-place vote for Sidney Crosby?? Late in the season, I wasn’t the only one who suggested Crosby was on the shortlist for the Hart and could be a finalist. Not even a vote?

Detroit: Voters got this one entirely correct. Rookie of the year–Calder Trophy, Moritz Seider.

Philly: Sam Carchidi will have a blast covering the new coach in town. John Tortorella detailed the type of players he wants for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Montreal: Big decisions are coming on expensive RFAs. Montreal Canadiens offseason.

Colleagues:

SteelersNow.com: Could Antonio Brown return to the Steelers? Yeah, no. Mike Tomlin dismissed it harshly, too, “That ain’t happening.” Pittsburgh Steelers news.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Geez, break up the Buccos. The youngsters and a big third inning propelled the Pittsburgh Pirates.