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“I’m willing to bet Dubas would trade Malkin and Letang if he could.”

The name Kris Letang has always been well-known in Quebec.

However, since yesterday, it seems that his popularity has increased even more due to a major rumor that surfaced about him.

For those who haven’t seen it, the Penguins defenseman has allegedly requested a trade to Montreal, according to Mark Madden, a radio host in Pittsburgh:

There were even discussions for this to happen →

— DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) August 12, 2024

One must question what the future plan is for the Penguins.

After all, there are several pressing issues for the Penguins right now: Sidney Crosby and his contract situation, Malkin reportedly in his final year with the team, rumors surrounding Kris Letang…

Josh Yohe (The Athletic) addressed the situation in a recent article, and his comments might not sit well with Penguins fans.

He suggests that if Kyle Dubas had his way, Malkin and Letang would likely be traded for two primary reasons: their age… and they still hold some value in the trade market due to their ongoing productivity on the ice.

I would bet he (Dubas) would trade Malkin and Letang if given the chance. They have high salaries, are experiencing a decline, and their return could assist the Penguins’ rebuild. – Josh Yohe

In reading Josh Yohe’s article, it seems that Crosby’s presence “forces” Kyle Dubas to retain his veteran players in some capacity:

The longer Sidney Crosby goes without signing a new deal, the bigger the story becomes. It’s not alarming yet. One must assume he will sign soon. But what’s causing the delay? If there wasn’t some kind of issue, surely the deal would have been completed by now. My column:

— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) August 13, 2024

In Pittsburgh, fans have every reason to be anxious.

The arrival of Kyle Dubas at the helm of the team did not deliver the expected results on the ice during last season, even with the acquisition of Erik Karlsson from San Jose… Moreover, the Penguins do not have one of the largest prospect pools in the NHL; quite the opposite.

At some point, the team will have no choice but to enter a rebuild, but determining the right timing for this, with Crosby, Malkin, and Letang still firmly in position, is challenging.

It appears that everything is complicated within the organization, to put it another way.

And it seems to coincide strangely with Kyle Dubas’s hiring…

In Brief

– To be continued…

Reasons for MTL improving
– Return of Dach
– Top line, primarily Slaf, continues to progress
– One of LH, DR, LM makes the top 6, more mobile D
– The goalie tandem is stable

Reasons for no improvement
– No real change overall
– The rest of the division got better or stayed the same

— Costa Rontzocos (@Rontzeeez) August 13, 2024

– Whoa!

Letsile Tebogo welcomed like a god in Botswana! 😮

— Diane Sauve (@DSauve_rc) August 13, 2024

– That’s exactly it.

“Why did we end up here with a guy who should have played here for ten years and become captain!” – @Olivier_Brett ⚽️🤯
The full segment is here: pic.twitter.com/kG0cOU4p7r

— BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) August 13, 2024

– Great opportunity!

The Quebecer is going to Ligue 1.

— TVA Sports (@TVASports) August 13, 2024

Kris Letang Trade Rumors: Analyzing the Situation with the Penguins and Canadiens

The name Kris Letang has always been popular in Quebec. However, since yesterday, the buzz around him has intensified dramatically following rumors of a potential trade to the Montreal Canadiens. According to Mark Madden, a radio host in Pittsburgh, Letang has reportedly asked to be traded back to his home province.

There were even discussions for this to happen →

— DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) August 12, 2024

Current State of the Penguins

This inquiry into Kris Letang’s status raises significant questions regarding the Pittsburgh Penguins’ future plans. The organization is grappling with several critical topics: the situation surrounding Sydney Crosby’s contract, the looming uncertainty of Evgeni Malkin as he approaches the end of his contract, and now, potential trades involving Letang.

In his latest article, Josh Yohe of The Athletic elaborates on the state of the Penguins, highlighting that if Kyle Dubas (the Penguins’ General Manager) had his way, he might consider trading both Malkin and Letang. This is primarily due to their declining age and performance, albeit they still possess market value.

I’m willing to bet he (Dubas) would trade Malkin and Letang if he could. They make a lot of money, they’re in decline, and the return would help the Penguins rebuild. – Josh Yohe

Crosby’s Contract Dilemma

When examining the Penguins’ strategy, it’s crucial to consider Crosby‘s looming contract situation. Yohe suggests that Crosby’s long-standing tenure with the team complicates Dubas’s decision-making process:

The longer Sidney Crosby goes without signing a new deal, the bigger story it becomes. It’s not alarming yet. One must assume he will sign soon. But what’s the delay? If there wasn’t some kind of issue, surely the deal would be done by now. My column:

— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) August 13, 2024

Concerns Among Penguins Fans

With all these uncertainties, Pittsburgh fans are understandably anxious. Although Dubas made waves with the acquisition of Erik Karlsson from San Jose, it hasn’t necessarily led to on-ice success. The Penguins’ prospect pool is also a cause for concern, as it isn’t among the deepest in the NHL.

As the club seems to inch toward the inevitability of a rebuild, the challenge lies in determining the right timing, especially with enduring stars like Crosby, Malkin, and Letang still at the forefront of the franchise.

The Complex Dynamics of Trade Rumors

The situation is further complicated by Letang’s individual circumstances. Being a Quebec native, a trade to Montreal presents a myriad of narrative angles. Letang is an experienced defenseman, and his request might signal an opportunity for a fresh start closer to home.

Potential Trade Impact

Should a trade materialize, it will have ripple effects on both teams:

For the Pittsburgh Penguins

Rebuilding Potential: Letang’s departure could help the Penguins gather assets for a rebuild, with potential prospects or draft picks coming back in return.
Financial Flexibility: His significant contract could open up cap space, allowing more maneuvering in free agency.

For the Montreal Canadiens

Veteran Leadership: Adding Letang could provide invaluable experience to a young Canadiens’ roster.
Defensive Bolstering: Letang’s presence would significantly strengthen their defensive corps.

Reaction from Fans and Media

The back and forth between fan bases on social media reflects the intense emotions surrounding these rumors. Perspectives vary widely, sparking debates about management strategies and team directions:

Reasons for MTL improving
– Return of Dach
– Top line, Mainly Slaf, continue to progress
– One of LH, DR, LM makes the top 6, more mobile D
– The goalie tandem is stable

Reasons for no improvement
– No real change overall
– The rest of the division got better or stayed the same

— Costa Rontzocos (@Rontzeeez) August 13, 2024

Inside the Numbers

Player	Age	Position	2023-2024 points	Contract Status
Kris Letang	36	Defenseman	45	UFA after 2025
Evgeni Malkin	37	Center	50	UFA after 2024
Sydney Crosby	36	Center	60	UFA after 2025

Final Thoughts on Ongoing Discussions

As discussions evolve, many eyes will remain glued to the trade market’s pulse. The potential trade of Kris Letang could redefine both the Penguins’ and Canadiens’ futures. With tension and excitement in the air, fans from both franchises anticipate how this saga will unfold.

It’s clear that everything is complicated within the Penguins organization since the hiring of Kyle Dubas. The path forward remains uncharted, but the coming weeks will certainly shine a spotlight on Letang’s future.