Anytime a team that was considered a Stanley Cup contender loses early in the postseason, it raises questions. This typically results in the team’s front office considering a roster shift and changing the focus of the team. For the Pittsburgh Penguins, this takes many forms, including a possible trade of superstar center and future Hall of Famer Evgeni Malkin.
As one of the best players of this generation, Malkin is one of the rarest commodities to ever hit the open trade market. In his most recent 31 thoughts column, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet Canada wrote that the Penguins could explore moving a number of players this offseason, even Malkin.