Rangers Roundup: World Championships, and Malkin a Blueshirt?

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A quick update on Rangers heading to the World Championships and an intriguing thought heading into the offseason.

Changes in Pittsburgh?

The Penguins weren’t only swept out of the playoffs, they were somewhat embarrassed. This is leading to wide speculation that some major changes could be coming in Pittsburgh.

Rob Rossi who covers the Penguins for The Athletic considers both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin untouchable. However, if Jim Rutherford is looking to restock the shelves quickly to give the only real untouchable, Crosby another Cup run, it makes sense to move Malkin.

Malkin is 32, has an AAV of $9.5M until 2022 when he will be 35 years old. On the positive side, he is still one of the most dominant centers in hockey and scored 72 points in 68 games this season. The year prior he potted 42 goals and 98 points in 78 games.

If the Rangers aren’t confident in signing Panarin, they could go the trade route and attempt to bring in Malkin. On the flip side, it could also make them a more attractive signing destination.

As for the cost, it would be heavy but should not include the #2 pick in the draft (and it won’t). Gorton could send over his first round pick obtained in the Kevin Hayes deal, Chris Kreider, Jimmy Vesey, and a prospect for Malkin and his big contract.

A veteran Russian center in NY with the likes of Kravtsov, Buchnevich, and Shestyorkin all on the same team. The idea isn’t ludicrous.

Rangers at the WC

A quick list of Blueshirts committed to the World Championships this summer:

  • Henrik Lundqvist (SWE)
  • Chris Kreider (USA)
  • Brady Skjei (USA)
  • Alexandar Georgiev (RUS)
By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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