In the NHL, old enemies can become trusted friends in a matter of just a few seasons. The Detroit Red Wings have no shortage of foes turning coat for Hockeytown. From Chris Chelios to Dominik Hasek, the Red Wings have played host to countless legendary players that once faced off against them. Most recently, they turned Patrick Kane from foe to friend.
What if there was a way to turn another long-term enemy into a valuable ally?
In his end-of-season press conference, Penguins legend Evgeni Malkin made it clear that, should the Penguins not sign him, he would absolutely sign with another team. "Yes," Malkin remarked. “I want to play in the NHL for sure, but I know it’s not easy for Kyle. Maybe he wants new blood here. I understand it’s a business. I understand he wants maybe a new team, see new faces here.
"For me, I want to play one more year in the NHL. I’m not looking (to go) back to KHL, play in Russia. But if not Pittsburgh, I hope some (NHL) team.”
Why the Penguins and Malkin may part ways
The Pittsburgh Penguins of the 2020s have a lot in common with the Red Wings of the 2010s. Both teams have (or had) aging cores in denial of the growing elephant in the room. Both sacrificed picks and prospects in the name of success and both found very little from it. The Penguins haven't won a playoff series since 2018. Franchise legend Sidney Crosby is approaching the tail end of his career.
Sooner or later, general manager Kyle Dubas needs to make a move.
If they continue to mire in this mushy middle, they'll be forced to endure a much, much longer rebuild. Keeping the same core and running it back year after year just delays the inevitable. A few seasons ago, Malkin and the Penguins nearly parted ways before signing a deal. This time around, the Pens might just cut their losses in order to start their rebuild.
With that said, Malkin is a free agent this offseason. Despite his age, teams around the NHL will look to sign the legend much like they did Jonathan Toews last season or Patrick Kane before him.
How Malkin can help the Red Wings
Don't let Malkin's age deceive you -- he's still got it. This year, Malkin turned back the clock and produced a 61 point campaign in 56 games. Malkin is an extremely effective center, bolstering the production of every line mate he's ever had in his career. The thought of the Russian legend centering Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane should make any fan salivate.
If that isn't enoguh, he's already got connections in Detroit. Like most Russian children in the 1980s-90s, Evgeni Malkin was a Red Wings fan. He always said it was his dream to play for Detroit. With three Stanley Cups, two Art Ross Trophies, a Conn Smythe, a Hart and a Ted Lindsay Award, Malkin has proven everything he can at the NHL level. He's a bona fide legend.
How poetic would it be for him to end his career with the very team he dreamt about playing for as a kid?
All in all, the Red Wings need help at center. While Malkin isn't a long-term solution, he should serve as the perfect bridge while they work out the big picture.
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