Trade Proposal Emerges That Gives Evgeni Malkin an Elite Russian Winger

Trade Talks Emerge in Vancouver That Could Move Elite Russian Winger, Can Pittsburgh Be a Destination?

Evgeni Malkin has been known to develop good chemistry with wingers who are not afraid to get in front of the net and play with skill. From Ryan Malone, James Neal, to more recently Jason Zucker and now Rielly Smith, he can play with all types of wingers who know what they are doing.

So, it may not be a surprise if the Penguins show some interested in Russian winger Andrei Kuzmenko. The 27-year-old winger amassed nearly 40 goals last year (39 G) and had 35 assists. But this year, he seems to be struggling with Vancouver.

As discussed on Donnie & Dhali with Insider Elliotte Friedman, It is not a surprise that Vancouver may be interested in a trade.

"They've been contacted by teams.."@FriedgeHNIC on Andrei Kuzmenko's future with the #Canucks and possible interest in Kuzmenko.

Full interview.. https://t.co/763I1t9u4M pic.twitter.com/8S8qHT6976— Donnie & Dhali (@DonnieandDhali) January 5, 2024

The Pittsburgh Penguins May Be Willing to Part Ways with a Top Six Defenseman for Kuzmenko

The Penguins may be interested in moving a Defenseman like P.O. Joseph to get Kuzmenko. They would also need to consider moving a forward to help with cap space. Reilly Smith can be an option. Kuzmenko carries a $5.5 million contract per year, and Smith is annually at $5 million.


There has also been some talk about what will happen with Jake Gentzel and if the Penguins are willing to keep him for the remainder of this year and allow him to go into free agency or trade him for possible prospects.

As Paul Bissonnette asked on X, one fan gave their opinion on a Cancucks/Penguins trade:

VAN RECIEVES

-F Jake Guentzel

Pitt Receives
- F Andrei Kuzmenko
- F Danila Klimovich
- Right To Umich captain (Jacob Truscott)
- 2026 2nd round pick
-2026 4th round pick— Manav McManinstien - PKD (@ThinCrust12) January 10, 2024

Regardless of who is traded, it is obvious that both the Penguins and the Cancucks may be looking to make a change to get into the playoffs this year. The two teams will be playing tonight in Pittsburgh, so both sides could get a closer look at their prospective players.