Trade Proposal Sees Evgeni Malkin Reuniting With Alex Ovechkin
A recent proposal sees Malkin and Ovechkin reuniting on the NHL stage.
Malkin and Ovechkin's Relationship
Since junior hockey Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin have been tied closely together. After going first and second overall in the 2004 draft, the two players developed a strong bond.
The two have such a close relationship that they were recently photographed with 2001 first overall pick Ilya Kovalchuck enjoying a meal together.
The two combine for four total Stanley Cups, three Art Ross trophies, four Ted Lindsey trophies, four Hart trophies, two Conn Smyths, two Calders, and nine Rocket Richards.
The two have also played on many team Russia teams together as well.
Recently, a trade proposal has surfaced that sends Malkin to the Washington Capitals to reunite with his countryman.
Mock Trade
This deal accomplishes two things for these franchises. First off, it helps Pittsburgh retool. They need to make some serious long-term changes if they feel they want to win another cup with Crosby. While Malkin can help them do that, it would be better to bet on development.
Dylan Strome can slot right in as the 2nd line center in Pittsburgh. Coming off of a 65-point season and is able to provide solid powerplay production. He is also signed for five more years and could prove to be a part of Pittsburgh's next quest for the Cup.
Hendrix Lapierre was the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 draft. While he has yet to prove himself at the NHL level completely, he can develop into a potential second-line scoring winger for the Penguins if they bet on their ability to develop him. On top of this, they would also get a 2nd round pick.
On the other hand, the Capitals get Malkin. He is coming off of an 83-point year and shows little signs of slowing down. If he is able to recreate his international ice magic with Alex Ovechkin, we could see Malkin post 100 points and Ovechkin score 60 goals.
While it would be interesting to see how this plays out, it would dependent on the two teams having a sense of where they are in their retools. If Pittsburgh thinks it will be longer, then Malkin moving could be the perfect move. If Washington thinks they can win a cup with the perfect piece, then they would likely pull the trigger on this deal.
| POLL | ||
Who wins this trade? | ||
| Pittsburgh | 432 | 35.5 % |
| Washington | 785 | 64.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
