NHL Trade Speculations: Are Steven Stamkos and Evgeni Malkin Potential Candidates?
The NHL is seeing increasing speculation around potential trades for two veteran stars, Steven Stamkos and Evgeni Malkin. Both players are facing challenges this season, raising questions about their future with their current teams.
NHL Trade Speculations: Steven Stamkos’ Struggles
Steven Stamkos is having a difficult season with the Nashville Predators. Since his rookie year in 2008-09, this has been his least productive start. Currently, he has only two points in his first 13 games of the 2024-25 NHL season.
- Signed a four-year contract in July 2024.
- Average annual value: $8 million.
- Full no-movement clause in his contract.
Adam Proteau from The Hockey News suggests that trade discussions could emerge if Stamkos’ performance does not improve. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman proposes that management may need to meet with the 35-year-old forward to consider potential options.
Among prospective destinations, the Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and Toronto Maple Leafs are highlighted. The struggling Vancouver Canucks have also shown interest, according to CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal.
Stamkos has just one goal in his first 11 games. Predators’ head coach Andrew Brunette is considering a move to center for Stamkos, hoping this change can invigorate both his game and the team’s overall offense.
NHL Trade Speculations: Evgeni Malkin’s Strong Start
In contrast, Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins is enjoying a solid season. He currently ranks among the league’s top scorers with 18 points and is pivotal in the Penguins’ strong start as they vie for the top position in the Eastern Conference.
Despite his impressive performance, there are already whispers about Malkin’s future. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, speculation arises regarding a potential trade to a Cup contender. The Florida Panthers might be interested in Malkin as a replacement for injured center Aleksander Barkov.
While Malkin expressed a desire to stay with the Penguins, uncertainties loom over his future. General Manager Kyle Dubas plans to meet with Malkin during the February Olympic break to discuss his career trajectory.
Conclusion
As the NHL season progresses, both Steven Stamkos and Evgeni Malkin find themselves at a crossroads. Each player’s performance could dictate their future, potentially leading to significant changes before the trade deadline. The scenarios surrounding these two veterans are closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
