After closing Kristopher Letang’s file, the Pittsburgh Penguins are turning their attention to Evgeni Malkin’s, and if one player is hoping for the return of “Geno,” it’s the Quebec defenseman.
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Letang signed a six-year, $36.6 million deal on Thursday and is among a group of veterans who have won the club’s last three Stanley Cups in 2009, 2016 and 2017. de Malkin, who qualifies for full free agent status this year. Although general manager Ron Hextall has admitted the organization is working to keep the Russian under their roof, nothing is sealed, but the number 58 is keeping fingers crossed.
“He was very happy for me,” the full-back told NHL.com, adding that the forward texted him to congratulate him. I replied to him by saying I want him to sign soon so we can all stay together.
Also, Letang believes his new arrangement will not prevent the Penguins from maneuvering well in other treaty acts.
“It’s more of a pact that suits both sides; It gives the team an opportunity to sign other guys and it’s based on performance and what I’ve achieved over the past few years, he said. We want to make sure we can still compete and win and not take a big step backwards.”
Good news soon?
The reason the right-hander decided to remain in Pennsylvania is because he still believes in the chances of success for the “pens”, which took second place in the metropolitan segment in the last election. With a core that can remain intact, he thinks the club’s potential is very interesting.
“There are two big names, one of which will expand the team. If you bet on these two guys, including a leader like Sid [Crosby]anything is possible,” he said.
Malkin, 35, has signed an eight-year, $76 million deal. Like his two longtime teammates, he has only played in Pittsburgh since his National League debut.