The Montreal Canadiens’ search for center depth went far and wide during the summer. Numerous players were linked to the Habs, but none of them ended up landing in Montreal.
Now, an interesting report has surfaced, claiming that the Canadiens were among the teams kicking the tires on Pittsburgh Penguins Russian superstar Evgeni Malkin. In particular, the Canadiens were interested in bringing Malkin in to mentor rising Russian star Ivan Demidov.
According to a report published on RG Media on September 20, James Murphy cited one of his anonymous sources who claimed that the Canadiens inquired about Malkin’s availability this summer.
Murphy stated that, besides the Canadiens, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers also kicked the tires on the 39-year-old center.
However, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas shot down any possibility of a trade. The source stated:
“When it comes to Dubas, he really has done a great job of leaving this up to Sid and Malkin. He respects their standing in team and league history, and he’s letting them dictate where this goes. Well, now, they’re dictating it and actually talking about it. They haven’t asked out, but they haven’t ruled asking out either.”
As has been the narrative this entire offseason, it will be up to Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to decide if they want to leave Pittsburgh. Crosby is under contract for two more seasons. Meanwhile, Malkin will be a UFA at the end of this season.
The report suggested that the Penguins were clear in passing on an extension offer to Malkin. While Malkin hasn’t explicitly stated he will retire, that’s the likeliest outcome. But there is a sliver of hope that Malkin could join another team next summer.
Malkin to Play Mentorship Role with Canadiens
Evgeni Malkin is well past his prime. His days as a 100-point scorer are well behind him. But just because he’s not going to win the Art Ross Trophy doesn’t mean he can’t be an invaluable piece to a team.
That’s what the Canadiens have in mind with Malkin. The main purpose of bringing him in, besides adding forward depth and crucial support down the middle, is to play a major mentorship role.
The Canadiens are extremely high on Ivan Demidov and would love nothing more than to have someone like Malkin to mentor him. Malkin understands perfectly what it takes to excel in the NHL as a Russian player. His experience and tutelage could be just what Demidov needs to truly adjust to the North American game.
Habs Better off Waiting till Summer to Sign Malkin
The Canadiens might be better off waiting till summer to bring in Malkin. At this point, the Penguins seem reluctant to trade Malkin. While Malkin referenced Brad Marchand’s decision to waive his no-trade clause to go to Florida, it’s not too likely that the Pens move Malkin this season.
If that’s the case, the Canadiens are probably better off waiting for the offseason. That would make it easier for Montral to land Malkin as a free agent. Signing him wouldn’t cost the Habs any assets. Moreover, the Habs could add Malkin on a relatively team-friendly contract.
Lastly, the Canadiens offer a much better chance for Malkin to go out on top. The Penguins instead risk withering away in a rebuild.
Canadiens Could Add Russian Star to Mentor Demidov: Rumor