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Darren Dreger Reveals Minnesota Wild Interest in Evgeni Malkin
The Evgeni Malkin trade rumors just gained another significant development. On November 5, TSN NHL insider Darren Dreger reported on Insider Trading that Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin has interest in acquiring the Pittsburgh Penguins superstar if the right circumstances emerge.
After tracking the NHL trade market and salary cap for NHLTradeRumor.com since February 2010, I believe this is a fascinating possibility for one reason: Minnesota needs another offensive center, while Pittsburgh faces difficult decisions about its aging championship core.
Dreger said of Guerin’s interest: “I know Guerin is interested, but only if the price is right and Malkin is ready to move at that point.”
The 40-year-old Malkin must submit a three-team trade list in January. That contractual deadline could give Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas a clearer picture of his options if Pittsburgh remains outside the playoff race.
Malkin remains productive, recording six goals and 11 points through 14 games this season. He is playing on a one-year, $5.5 million contract that expires in 2027.
Important: Malkin has not publicly requested a trade, the Penguins have not announced plans to move him, and no agreement between the teams has been reported.
Evgeni Malkin Trade Proposal: What Would Minnesota Give Pittsburgh?
The biggest obstacle is financial. According to PuckPedia, Minnesota currently has approximately $3.37 million in cap space, but its projected season-end space is negative because of its roster and LTIR situation.
Pittsburgh currently has approximately $7.93 million in space. That gives Dubas flexibility to consider retaining salary as part of a deal.
Here is a hypothetical trade framework I believe both teams could examine:
| Team | Receives | Cap / Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Wild | Evgeni Malkin (C) | $2.75M annualized cap hit with Pittsburgh retaining 50% |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Hunter Haight (F prospect) | Young forward asset |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Minnesota’s 2028 third-round pick | Draft capital |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Minnesota’s 2027 fourth-round pick | Conditional on Minnesota winning two playoff rounds |
This proposal assumes 50% retention of Malkin’s $5.5 million cap hit. His contract also includes up to $3.5 million in performance bonuses, which require separate cap accounting. Minnesota would need to confirm roster, LTIR and bonus implications before completing any transaction.
Why the Patrick Kane Trade Provides a Useful Comparison
When Patrick Kane joined the New York Rangers in 2023, Chicago received a conditional second-round pick, a fourth-round pick and a depth player as part of a three-team transaction.
That Kane trade demonstrated how player-controlled destinations and retained salary can influence the market for an established superstar.
Malkin is older and has an expiring contract, so I would hesitate to surrender Minnesota’s first-round pick or a premium young player.
Why Evgeni Malkin Makes Sense for the Minnesota Wild
Minnesota’s current roster features Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek and Quinn Hughes. There is substantial talent, but the Wild could benefit from another proven offensive center.
The team’s current projected second line features Blake Coleman, Michael McCarron and Bobby Brink. Malkin would provide a significant offensive upgrade in that role.
Projected Minnesota Wild Lines With Malkin
- Line 1: Kaprizov – Eriksson Ek – Boldy
- Line 2: Coleman – Malkin – Brink
- Line 3: Shabanov – Yurov – Trenin
These are my proposed combinations, not confirmed coaching plans.
Malkin could drive secondary scoring, contribute on the power play and reduce the offensive burden on Eriksson Ek. He also offers playoff experience that Minnesota cannot easily acquire elsewhere.
For Guerin, this could be a lower-cost alternative to pursuing Detroit captain Dylan Larkin. My earlier analysis examined why Minnesota’s reported Dylan Larkin trade framework has encountered obstacles.
Unlike Larkin, whose $8.7 million contract extends beyond this season, Malkin represents a shorter-term investment.
What the Pittsburgh Penguins Would Want in Return
For Kyle Dubas, the decision is about Pittsburgh’s future, not simply Malkin’s remaining production.
The Penguins have struggled early this season, and moving an expiring veteran could provide additional draft capital and younger assets.
A prospect such as Hunter Haight and two potential selections would offer Pittsburgh multiple opportunities to strengthen its development pipeline without requiring Minnesota to surrender its most valuable young players.
However, trading Malkin would carry enormous emotional and organizational consequences. He has spent his entire NHL career with Pittsburgh and won three Stanley Cups alongside Sidney Crosby.
We’ve previously examined the history of Malkin-to-Minnesota speculation. Dreger’s latest comments introduce a new contractual timeline, but Malkin’s willingness to leave Pittsburgh remains the decisive issue.
Evgeni Malkin Trade Rumor Meter
Genuine reported interest, but significant contract and player-approval obstacles.
Geoff Hannah: Does Evgeni Malkin Actually Get Traded to Minnesota?
My prediction is that Malkin remains in Pittsburgh unless the Penguins are clearly out of playoff contention in January and he personally decides Minnesota offers a better opportunity to win another Stanley Cup.
Guerin’s interest makes sense. The roster fit is reasonable. A retained-salary deal could work financially.
But after following the NHL trade market for more than 16 years, I’ve learned that a superstar’s willingness to move matters more than an interested general manager’s enthusiasm.
My verdict: Minnesota is a legitimate team to monitor, but I would not predict a trade today. January is the key date.
