Evgeni Malkin's Penguins Farewell Tour Could Open Door for Maple Leafs Trade Talks

Malkin, entering the twilight of his NHL playing days after 19 NHL seasons, close to an end to an almost surefire Hall of Fame career that saw him win three Stanley Cup's and become one of the most dominant players of the 2010's.

A report from Josh Yohe of The Athletic stated that Malkin is expected to be in the midst of what will be his likely "farewell tour" from the Penguins, implying him either leaving the team, or even the league, is something that very well could happen at the end of this upcoming season, or sooner.

Malkin is third all-time among Pittsburgh Penguins skaters in Goals (514), Assists (832), and Points (1346), only behind Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby in the team's history.

Although second-in-command to Crosby in Pittsburgh, it's hard to say Malkin was ever in #87's shadow, considered at his peak a top-5 forward who would have been not just a #1 Center on most NHL teams in his prime, but a franchise player.

Malkin won a Hart Trophy, Ted Lindsay, and Art Ross alongside his three cups, and a Conn Smythe as the Playoffs MVP.

Both Malkin and Crosby are near the end of their careers, something that signals a near-certain rebuild for the Penguins within the next 12 months.

The Pittsburgh Penguins suspected rebuild means they'll likely be ready to move on from the Crosby and Malkin era quite quickly.

The Penguins could be ready to rebuild with forward Gavin McKenna in this year's draft, or defenseman Landon DuPont next year, two prospects that right away would be able to insert themselves into an NHL lineup and take over the mantle of leading the Penguins.

For their current lineup, Malkin is under contract until 2026, which doesn't mean he'll retire by then, but could mean his final season won't be in Pittsburgh, but if it is ends a legendary career.

Crosby could also be next up, his contract ending the year after in 2027.

If Malkin is gone after 2026, it could lead to Crosby playing out the end of his career outside of the Penguins organization, potentially joining fellow Cole Harbour, NS native Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado or to his boyhood Montreal Canadiens.

Other older prospects could be moved on for a full retooling to set them up to potentially be in one or both of McKenna/DuPont, with defenseman Erik Karlsson a potential departure as well as forward Bryan Rust, the latter who could be a compelling trade target for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

One thing should be made clear, the chances of Crosby or Malkin going to Toronto look unlikely, and the fit seems a bit iffy although for the right price is no doubt appealing. It's hard to imagine the Leafs as frontrunners.

Bryan Rust on the other hand is a name that could be sensible for Toronto and someone who fits a need in the Leafs top-six.

Rust, 33, is an experienced veteran who has been a key energy player for the Penguins, with his ability to generate offense and goalscoring touch being helpful in getting points for Crosby & Malkin.

Toronto could use another goalscorer outside of Auston Matthews, and a 30-goal scorer in Rust could add some value to the Leafs offense.

You have to be okay with paying Rust $5.125-million until 2028, however, a deal that will take him until he is 36 years old, but with a need for a top-six winger, Toronto may be able to get a player like Rust at a solid price knowing Pittsburgh needs to rebuild.

One of the greatest dynasties in hockey history is slowly at it's end, and with it could come a major opportunity to pick out the scraps of what will be a selling off for a new future of the NHL.