Penguins wisely chose Evgeni Malkin over Phil Kessel

Evgeni Malkin reportedly told the Penguins it was either he or Phil Kessel had to go. The team wisely chose to keep the former Hart and Conn Smythe winner.

Entering the offseason, yet again, trade rumors surrounded Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. Kessel wound being dealt to the Arizona Coyotes on July 30, but it seems Malkin delivered an ultimatum to general manager Jim Rutherford.

As part of his longer profile on Malkin, Rob Rossi of The Athletic (subscription required) got into Malkin’s on-ice relationship with Kessel without Malkin’s willingness to elaborate. More specifically, there’s a glimpse at how that relationship deteriorated as Kessel had a notable conflict with coach Mike Sullivan.

Citing multiple sources, Rossi pointed to how Malkin had grown tired of being caught in the conflict between Kessel and Sullivan. Kessel wanted to play on Malkin’s wing more often than Sullivan was willing to let happen at times. Malkin grew concerned with his perception Kessel was content with two titles and mostly interested in chasing his own statistics, and that he would be viewed the same way.

Multiple team sources, according to Rossi, say Malkin requested a trade if Kessel was to return.

https://twitter.com/wyshynski/status/1171436772749766664?s=20

Even in a down year last year, Malkin averaged more than a point per game (72 points in 68 regular season games). His -25 rating was by far the worst of his career, and with Rutherford’s recent comments in mind, it seems the 33-year old is motivated to have a big 2019-20 campaign.

"“My expectation is for him (Malkin) to be one of the top players in the League. He got off to a great start last year but his play dropped off a little bit as the season went along. I’ve talked to him and [Mike] went and met with him in the summer. He looks great. He’s anxious to get going, so no concerns. He’ll be the Evgeni Malkin we expect.”"

For all his scoring ability, effort level and broader motivation have never been one of Kessel’s strengths. Malkin, on the other hand, seems plenty motivated to put last year behind him, play out the three years left on his contract and then some.

“It’s (a) huge next three years. I still want to play 100 percent — and sign (for) three more years with Pittsburgh.”

Despite his denial, he gave an “It’s me or him” ultimatum, the Penguins clearly had reached the point where they had to choose between Malkin and Kessel. They chose Malkin, and they made the right choice.