New York Islanders NHL Trade Rumor Weekly Wire May 7th

Evgeni Malkin (C) | Pittsburgh Penguins

Isles Desire: 3/5
Possibility: 0.5/5
Cost: $$$$$

This rumor comes from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. In his 31 thoughts, he reported that certain NHL GMs felt there was something to the idea of Evgeni Malkin being moved by the Penguins.

(Something to note, Malkin has a no-move clause but according to Friedman Malkin is thinking about waiving it and for who)

The Islanders need depth down the middle. Malkin followed by Barzal, Nelson, and Cizikas would be an incredibly strong spine for the Islanders. It’s easy to see why the Islanders would have the desire to add a top-level centerman and arguably one of the top 100 players to ever play.

But the reality of the situation is much more complicated.

Malkin plays for a divisional rival. A trade between the two teams isn’t impossible, but it isn’t likely. And that’s assuming the New York Islanders wanted to meet whatever the price might be for Malkin.

That price isn’t going to be low. Malkin still has three seasons left on his deal and he’s still an incredible player with 72 points in 68 games. He might be 32 years old, but there’s no sign of him slowing down.

Trade Offer

That’s a lot, I know. But it’s nothing that the Islanders can’t part without. I’ll get to Nick Leddy a bit later, but Beau could use a change of scenery to try to become the player he was drafted to be. Aho is surplus and so is that second round pick.

If that means bringing in Malkin that’s a deal I think Lou would consider making.