Minnesota Wild linked to Evgeni Malkin trade rumors

Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin has expressed interest in acquiring Pittsburgh Penguins veteran center Evgeni Malkin, according to reports from TSN’s Darren Dreger. Malkin, who is 40 years old, is expected to submit a three-team trade list in January.

Malkin currently holds a full no-movement clause and a one-year, $5.5 million contract. While he has expressed a desire to remain with the Penguins, where he has played all 21 of his NHL seasons, a trade remains a possibility if the price is right. Any potential deal would likely involve the Penguins retaining salary to make the contract more manageable for a new team.

If a move occurs, Malkin could reunite with Guerin, his former teammate during their 2009 Stanley Cup championship run with Pittsburgh. Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is reportedly unlikely to force a move against the veteran icon, meaning any transaction would depend heavily on Malkin’s willingness to relocate.