Florida Panthers A Possible Destination For Evgeni Malkin
Nick Kypreos believes Malkin has played his last series as a Pittsburgh Penguin and could fit in well with the Florida Panthers
The month of June in the NHL is a great time of year if you enjoy hearing about trade rumors, potential free agents and if you are a fan of a team with some cap space to spare. With Steven Stamkos just weeks away from hitting the open market and plenty of teams vying to become the one that picks up the coveted NHL star, many others are finding themselves becoming second thoughts.
Nick Kypreos believe that Evgeni Malkin might potentially become one of those guys.
Speaking on Sportsnet Hockey Central, Nick Kypreos said the following “Couldnt have a better time. Could not hit the market at a better time to trade Malkin. It makes no sense to move forward from here on in with Malkin and Crosby”
Florida Panthers
When asked about how good he would look in a Montreal Canadiens jersey if Montreal failed to acquire Stamkos, Kypreos made an even bolder statement. “Montreal? Ill tell you what, Florida Panthers.” Adding on to that prediction he brought up using him as a potential replacement for veteran Jaromir Jagr. “Jagr with one more year there and he justs slides right in there with the Florida Panthers.”
While its not a guarantee by any means, the possibility of Geno becoming a Florida Panther is not as crazy as it sounds. Pittsburghs current cap position has them 2.5 million dollars over their cap hit. With the rise of some of the younger talent like Matt Murray and Nick Bonino, Pittsburgh may just be willing to let go of Evgeni Malkin for a less costly and younger forward in someone like Nick Bjugstad, Jonathan Huberdeau or even Vincent Trocheck on top of some future draft selections. Malkin would have to waive his no trade clause of course, but the Penguins may be in a position to get that waived to send the star forward to the Panthers
Malkin has showed incredible strength on the power play this season, which is one area the Panthers need to improve on. With the experience of a Stanley Cup final this season on top of his Conn Smythe winning performance to help his team win the Stanley Cup in 2009, the 29 year old could be a great fit in a locker room of young talent.
The move itself is certainly risky, but has the possibility of paying dividends if Malkin can be the powerhouse he has been in years past for the Florida Panthers. Malkin is a two time Art Ross trophy winner, a Hart trophy winner and Ted Lindsay award winner in 2011-2012 and picked up 58 points in 57 games this season.
Next: Florida Panthers Unveil New Logo And Jersey
With the Panthers adopting a new logo and new mindset in an attempt to capture the Stanley Cup, one has to wonder if a player like Evgeni Malkin could possibly wind up in the sunshine state next season. It certainly wouldnt be the first time Florida has made an aggressive move to acquire a world class talent. With Malkin currently being in the Stanley Cup finals, it makes him someone to watch if you are a Florida Panthers fan and something to keep in mind come the off season