Major Malkin concern leaves Pittsburgh Penguins facing difficult decision before trade deadline

Pittsburgh Penguins facing major Evgeni Malkin dilemma ahead of trade deadline

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been dealt a serious problem at a difficult moment. During Thursday night’s crucial game in the playoff race, and with captain Sidney Crosby already out due to injury, the team also lost Evgeni Malkin after the veteran forward lost his temper.

Malkin was handed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct after swinging his stick with a two-handed chop that struck Rasmus Dahlin in the head during the game against the Buffalo Sabres. The incident immediately raised expectations that the NHL Department of Player Safety would step in with further punishment, which was confirmed Friday morning as the league’s trade deadline approached.

Although the exact suspension has not yet been determined, early indications suggest Malkin could face a ban lasting multiple games. Because his hearing is scheduled to take place by phone at 6 p.m., the suspension cannot exceed five games. Malkin is also classified as a repeat offender after serving two suspensions earlier in his career.

Following the game, NHL insider Josh Yohe strongly criticised the timing of the incident.

“Geno Malkin lost his mind at the worst possible time for the Penguins. Now, Kyle Dubas has a real problem on his hands.”

Yohe also noted that the timing of the league’s disciplinary process could complicate matters for Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas.

“It usually takes the NHL a day or two to determine the length of suspensions, so Dubas may not know how long Malkin will be out when the deadline arrives at 3 p.m. tomorrow. Maybe that changes his plans. Maybe it doesn’t.”

The Penguins had entered the week in a relatively strong position in the playoff race, but their outlook suddenly looks far more uncertain. With Crosby still dealing with injury concerns and Malkin potentially unavailable, Pittsburgh may have to navigate several key games without its two long-time franchise stars.

Yohe believes this situation could heavily influence how Dubas approaches the trade deadline.

“So what does Dubas do? Does he shift strategy and pursue a major addition? If Crosby and Malkin both miss the next five games, the Penguins will likely be underdogs in most of them. If they slip during that stretch, making the playoffs becomes much more difficult.”

The urgency is heightened by the tightening race in the NHL standings, with the Columbus Blue Jackets closing the gap behind Pittsburgh.

According to Yohe, the next few hours could turn into one of the most intriguing trade deadlines in the history of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“This could become one of the most fascinating deadlines the Penguins have ever faced. The Blue Jackets are right behind them, the schedule is tough, and both Crosby and Malkin might be sidelined.”

Dubas now faces a difficult decision. The Penguins GM has built up salary cap flexibility and trade assets, giving him the option to pursue a major deal. However, he has also made it clear he does not want to damage the long-term rebuild he has been working on over the past two years.

With the deadline fast approaching and uncertainty surrounding one of the franchise’s greatest players, Dubas must decide whether to push for immediate success or remain focused on the team’s long-term future.

There was at least a small piece of positive news amid the uncertainty. Crosby was spotted skating with teammates, marking his first on-ice session since suffering an injury during Canada’s Olympic quarterfinal against Czechia on February 12.