Dreger Predicts Malkin Trade Possibility Could Heat Up in January
TSN’s Darren Dreger suggests Evgeni Malkin could enter trade discussions starting in January, as his no-trade list may be narrowed. Despite the Penguins’ poor start and Malkin’s strong performance, speculation is growing about a potential move. His one-year contract with a full no-movement clause adds complexity to any trade scenario.
Evgeni Malkin, 39, is at the center of emerging trade speculation after TSN’s Darren Dreger suggested in late October 2026 that his full no-movement clause could be narrowed in January, potentially opening the door for trade discussions. The Pittsburgh Penguins, who sit sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a 5-7-2 record through 14 games and are without injured forward Bryan Rust, have not officially signaled interest in trading Malkin, though general manager Kyle Dubas has already been fielding calls on veterans like Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, and Rickard Rakell—though Malkin was not among them. Malkin signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in May 2026 with a full no-movement clause (NMC), a rare move for a player of his stature, and is a pending unrestricted free agent. Despite the team’s struggles, he has contributed six goals and five assists in 13 games, demonstrating continued elite-level production. His contract includes performance bonuses tied to games played and playoff success, with a $3 million signing bonus and up to $9 million in total value. The fact that he is on a one-year deal with full protection makes any trade complex, but Dreger’s prediction hinges on the possibility that Malkin may voluntarily reduce his no-trade list in January, possibly to facilitate a move to a contender.
The broader context includes the Penguins’ rebuilding phase under Dubas, who has been actively assessing veteran value amid a poor start. While no direct trade talks have bee
Malkin’s potential trade could impact not only the Penguins’ rebuilding trajectory but also the broader NHL landscape by influencing how veteran players with full no-movement clauses are valued in trade markets. His case may set a precedent for how teams navigate the tension between player autonomy and organizational needs, especially as more aging stars seek one final chance to win. If Malkin does agree to a reduced list, it could signal a shift toward greater flexibility among elite veterans, potentially affecting future contract negotiations and team-building strategies. This scenario echoes the 2017 trade of Jarome Iginla from the Colorado Avalanche, where a veteran with a no-trade clause was moved after a mutual agreement on his protection status—though that case involved different circumstances. The current situation may also affect player morale in other teams, particularly those with aging stars who might question their own future if such trades become more common. What to watc