It has not been mentioned and might not even be on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ priority list.

Evgeni Malkin should be moved to the left wing from the center. Though it has been written about and discussed previously in this forum, it should now receive serious consideration and rank close to the top for all parties concerned. For the upcoming season, the Penguins should look into making a big structural adjustment and make the most of the unusually abundant pool of free-agent centers.

July 1, 2024, may be the best day to acquire a legitimate center who can play second-line minutes behind Sidney Crosby. and perhaps make the move to a life after Crosby.

There has never been a free agent class of centers like this one.

In order to reduce the physical toll of playing 82 games in the NHL and maximize his effectiveness, Mario Lemieux moved to the wing in his final seasons. Andrew McCutchen, the cornerstone of the Pirates, reluctantly moved out of center field.

It is obvious that such a move could revitalize the powerful forward, who was forced to acknowledge he can not fly around the ice like he used to, after watching Malkin battle through this season. You never know, maybe he will want to play for longer than two years.

Malkin finished with 67 points (27-40-67), but his career-lowest points per game (.82) were recorded.

Even at thirty years old, Claude Giroux found great success with the same switch.

The 36-year-old Giroux is enjoying a fantastic second act as his career winds down. He has accumulated 143 points and 56 goals in the last two seasons. Following the transfer in 2017–18, Giroux recorded a career-high 102 points (34–68–102).

Growing older occurs. Setting the Penguins up for success beyond the upcoming season may require a significant amount of acceptance of reality. By carrying a full team for six months, Crosby has remarkably avoided shoulder surgery. This move could further ease his workload.

The team needs a top-six LW who can score more than 20 goals after trading Jake Guentzel and Reilly Smith’s disappointing season, if not a bad fit with the Penguins. Maybe now is the moment for Drew O’Connor. His worth and potential are undeniable, but this season he only managed 16 goals.

Is there any doubt that Malkin could play the skillful role of a scoring winger?

By the upcoming season, Malkin will be 38 years old, and he has stated that the final two years of his contract will be his last. “Three more years!” he yelled in jest on the opening day of training camp this season.