NHL insider urges Penguins to make difficult Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang conversation

The Pittsburgh Penguins are struggling right now. After narrowly missing out on the playoffs last year, they got off to a bit of a rough start and are mostly treading water. With an aging roster, they might be forced to make some difficult decisions soon, and that includes what to do with Kris Letang and/or Evgeni Malkin.

NHL insider Josh Yohe believes it's time for Pittsburgh to at least consider if either one of those players would accept a trade. They're both franchise icons, so it's only fair to talk to them first. He said via The Athletic:

"I’d probably ask Kris Letang or Evgeni Malkin if they’d be willing to play somewhere else. If they say no, fine. But I’d ask. Sid is different. He stays. I’d probably keep Bryan Rust, too, given how good he still is and considering the leader he has become."

The NHL insider noted the Pens' talent on the blue line and in net, but felt forward is a concern:

"They don’t have much at forward, so in terms of adding organizational talent, I’d be looking long and hard at forwards when the draft rolls around in June."

Yohe believes the Penguins could use something of a rebuild, and looking at which veterans they can sell off to kickstart one might be key.

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NHL insider says Penguins shouldn't try to get one more run with Sidney Crosby

The Pittsburgh Penguins have some aging veterans they'd like to do right by, including Sidney Crosby. He's continuously returned to the team despite its lackluster roster, and it's worth wondering if the front office wants to give him one last run in the playoffs.

What can the Penguins do with Sidney Crosby? (Imagn)

They'd have to add to do that, but NHL insider Josh Yohe isn't sure it's so simple:

"Could acquiring a couple of the available players out there turn the current Penguins into Stanley Cup contenders? I don’t think so.

Yohe noted that Dubas is looking to turn Pittsburgh into a long-term contender, but this could come at a cost:

"Along the way, will it rob the Big Three of a chance to play in the postseason one final time together? It very well may, and frankly, that stinks."

Yohe also lamented the fact that their last playoff run ended thanks partly to a controversial hit by Jacob Trouba of the New York Rangers.

Are we approaching a major rebuild in Pittsburgh? It feels like the next month could be decisive with the team seventh in the Metropolitan 46 games into the season.