Evgeni Malkin's future with the Pittsburgh Penguins is in question as he enters the final year of his contract. Despite speculation, both Malkin and the Penguins have not made any decision about his potential retirement or continuation. With Malkin's performance of 50 points in 68 games this season, the team is reportedly looking to rejuvenate its roster, leaving his next steps uncertain.

Meanwhile, general managers around the league are preparing for upcoming trades as free agency approaches. Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland discussed potential trades and contract negotiations with key players, including Anze Kopitar, who is also in the last year of his deal. Expect significant roster changes as teams gear up for the draft and free agency.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are poised for a transformative offseason, with only legacy players Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang off the trading block. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun indicated on TSN's 'OverDrive' that the team is exploring trades for the rest of the roster, especially Bryan Rust, who had a career-high season with 65 points. New GM Kyle Dubas is set to leverage this offseason to reshape the team after an underwhelming performance last season, particularly following the recent trade of Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Coach Dan Muse emphasized the importance of veteran leadership and plans to enlist the experience of the team's established players. With Rust's full no-move clause ending soon, his potential departure could pave the way for new acquisitions, further shifting the team's dynamics as they look to regain competitiveness in the league.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have named Dan Muse as their new head coach, ending Mike Sullivan's tenure after three years without playoff appearances. At 42, Muse brings experience from his time as an assistant with the Nashville Predators and the New York Rangers, where he excelled in special teams. Muse steps in to lead a veteran core that includes Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, all of whom are under contract for at least another season.

Sportsnet's Kyle Bukauskas speculated on the potential for Crosby to take on a player-coach role, but NHL insider Elliotte Friedman expressed skepticism. Friedman believes Crosby, despite his extensive experience, remains focused on competing and winning rather than transitioning to a coaching role. He noted that Muse's hiring might elevate Crosby's influence within the team as they navigate these changes.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are transitioning from the Sidney Crosby era, with general manager Kyle Dubas emphasizing that the change will be neither quick nor easy. To facilitate this process, they have appointed Dan Muse as their new head coach. Muse, previously an assistant with the New York Rangers, has a strong record in player development, making him an ideal choice for a team that is looking to blend veteran talent with emerging young players.

Muse replaces Mike Sullivan, who led the Penguins to two Stanley Cups, and must now navigate a roster that features aging stars like Crosby and Evgeni Malkin while integrating promising talent such as Rutger McGroarty. Dubas has also prepared for this shift by accumulating numerous draft picks, giving Muse the tools to build a more sustainable future for the franchise.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are embarking on a pivotal transition as they navigate the final years of the Sidney Crosby era. Under general manager Kyle Dubas, the franchise has hired Dan Muse as their new head coach, replacing Mike Sullivan, who led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. Muse's appointment is seen as a strategic move to connect with veteran players while developing younger talent, particularly with the likes of top prospect Rutger McGroarty in the pipeline.

Dubas acknowledges that the adjustment period won't be quick or easy, highlighting the necessity for Muse to balance team continuity and fresh talent integration. The Penguins possess significant draft capital, with 30 selections over the next three drafts, making them well-positioned to build a competitive future. However, they currently face challenges in terms of depth scoring and goaltending, which Muse will need to address to revitalize the team's playoff aspirations.