Evgeny Malkin will check free will
Darren Dreger: Sources say Evgeny Malkin has decided to try free will.
He has never been a free agent and wants to see what offers are out there.
Pierre Lebrun: The Penguins and Malkin have made some progress in their talks over the last 24 hours, but I think it shows how frustrated he was.
Rob Rossi: The Penguins never offered Malkin the four-year deal he expected. Malkin had none on the table. The closest thing to the Malkin camp was “what it might look like.”
Josh Yohe: Many reported that the Penguins signed a four-year deal with Malkin, although today something may have changed, but 2 hours ago G.M. Ron Hextall had no intention of offering. If there was a four-year offer, AAV would likely insult Malkin.
Mike Defaba: A team source doubled down on what was reported this morning — a four-year, $6.1 million cap hit was on the table.
NHL observer: Darren Dreger on TSN on Evgeni Malkin hitting free agency: “I think his resume and what he can still provide at age 35 will be interesting, but again, given Pittsburgh’s rich history, it’s possible Penguins return after Malkin tests open market.”
Dan Kingerski: “I am silent about Malkin. I advocated for both sides to see the market. That will happen. I think Dave’s sources were careful and accurate. There is a lot of misinformation. And that’s all I can say about it.”
should never have come to this pic.twitter.com/dbnwzHud2a
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 11, 2022
Washington Capitals need two goaltenders…
The Washington Capitals did not qualify Ilya Samsonov and he will become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday.
Tariq El-Bashir: “The decision not to qualify Samsonov was a financial decision. As an RFA (with arbitration rights), #Caps he’s projected to bring in $3-3.5 million each, which they feel is too much to back up and not justified given his performances to date.”
Pierre Lebrun: I think the Capitals are the free agent favorites Darcy Kumper. The Toronto Maple Leafs are also looking for help in net Jack Campbell signed a contract with the Edmonton Oilers.
Ilya Samsonov did not qualify. What?!
Goalkeepers begin to reach their peak around the age of 25.
The players that didn’t qualify this year… absolute madness. https://t.co/hmmCajET1U pic.twitter.com/mxiMyTYlnU
— Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) July 11, 2022
