Karlsson Stays, Malkin's Future Uncertain

0:00It's March 26th. This is NHL News Today, AI-powered stories from inside your team. Pittsburgh Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas has shut down trade talk around defenseman Eric Carlson. The 35-year-old improved his game this season and fits into the team's retooling plans. With just one year left on his deal, including a $6 million bonus on July 1st and 1.5 million in salary next year, Carlson stays. Attention now turns to center Evgeny Malkin, who turns 39 soon and hits free agency on July 1st. He bounced back strong with 52 points and 50 games despite injuries. Malkin is told folks he wants one or two more years in Pittsburgh and he's chatted with Dubas several times already. Those talks pause until the offseason, leaving fans wondering if Malkin returns. If he goes, the penguins might hunt for a new center through trades, with names like young talents from Seattle or New Jersey floating around. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings are stumbling hard late in the season.

1:01They grabbed third in the Atlantic Division before the March 6th deadline, but now chase a wildcard spot behind Ottawa. General manager Steve Iserman added defenseman Justin Falk, but skipped the top six center. Passing on pricey targets like St. Louis's Robert Thomas, a playoff miss would mark their 10th straight. The seventh under easerman, sparking calls for front office changes this summer as the Detroit ISA reset.