Hello All,

Today I wanted to explore one particular UFA scenario. That is, the hypothetical scenario that Evgeni Malkin signs with the Capitals. Malkin in a Caps Jersey? I feel weird.

Why It Could Work:

Capitals Injuries to Current Roster + Cap Space

The Capitals are in desperate need of help at center after Nicklas Backstrom had what is expected to be season ending hip surgery a few weeks ago. According to the HockeyBuzz Cap Central, the Capitals have $8,978,334 in cap space. If you factor in Backstrom's 9.2M, that is approximately $18,178,334 to spend in the market. The goal for the Caps this offseason is to fill the void at center, find a true #1 goaltender, sign a winger to temporarily replace Wilson, and for good measure sign or promote a defenseman. With Backstrom and Wilson out, the Capitals are missing significant point production. I expect a good portion of the cap space to go either at top center or a top goalie.

Outside of the history between Washington and Pittsburgh, this actually makes a decent amount of sense for the Caps. Washington may actually be able to get Malkin at somewhat of a bargain price if talks breakdown in Pittsburgh. Looking at historical contracts for players around Malkin's age (35) and production level Malkin's next contract should be at least $7M a year for at least three years. Maybe a little less for value, and definitely a possibility he gets more than $7M on the open market. Here is a recent tweet from Jfresh Hockey:

Those concerned about Malkin's supposed steep decline this season should keep in mind that his 5v5 assists declined pretty much entirely because his linemates couldn't finish their chances. pic.twitter.com/RcDsjtEoWX

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 30, 2022

^^^
Look at all that Blue...

Point Production:

Malkin's player card is quite impressive. Not listed on his player card is his 2021-2022 stats. Malkin only played in 41 games but he did generate 42 points in those games played. Official stat line is 20G-22A-42P. He had 9 PPGs and 11 PPAs. Lets compare Malkin and Backstrom head-to-head stats the last four years:

Backstrom:
55G-157A-212P in 243GP (.872 points per game, .646 assists per game, .226 goals per game)

Malkin:
74G-142A-216P in 197GP (1.10 points per game, .720 assists per game, .375 goal per game)

Malkin has played less games but has been scorching for 1.10 points per game the last four years on average. His versatile production would be welcomed in DC.

Power Play:

The Capitals power play last season was the worst it has been in a decade when Backstrom was out of the lineup. Backstrom is a key cog in the wheel that makes the power play generate chances. Malkin also shoots left like Backstrom and generally plays on the right side along the wall (just like Backstrom.) Malkin would actually fit in very well for this Capitals power play. This would also make the Caps power play more dynamic. The Caps have always relied on Ovi, Carlson, and Oshie (bumper) to score PPGs. Malkin on the right side would create an entirely new dynamic. Think TB with Stamkos and Kucherov waiting on either side to blast it. How does a Ovechkin-Kuznetsov-Oshie-Malkin-Carlson Power play sound? Lethal.

5V5:

At 5v5, Malkin could slot on line 2 with Mantha and Oshie. Mantha-Malkin-Oshie also money.
According to a 2020 article by Jordan Falkner from Fansided, Malkin's strengths are his pinpoint passing, creativity on the rush, "complete package", and defensive zone exits, The Capitals could use all of that. Weaknesses noted is mainly just discipline. He also has a history of being sloppy/lazy + a liability on defense. <---Dont fight me on that, thats according to my buddy who is a Pens fan. Shout out to Pat. Yeee! According to moneypuck.com, Malkin ranked 8th on the team for expected goals at 14.7. He did rank #1 in the team in goals above expected at 5.4. At 5v5, he was 4th on the team for goals above expected. Underrated.

Nationality:

Not really ground breaking but interesting to note that the Capitals have lots of Russian players. Ovechkin, Orlov, Kuznetsov, Samsonov, and Alexeyev. Malkin would fit right in and likely would have an easier time adjusting in Washington as opposed to other teams.

Final Thoughts:

The chances of the Caps actually signing Malkin seem slim. It is possible he may not even want to play in WSH in a similar way the Marc Andre Fleury didn't want to. Its Caps/Pens, I get it! However, if there is even a chance for this deal to go down, the Capitals should make it happen. I would be okay with a 3-year, $7.5M contract to Malkin. IF the Capitals did sign Malkin, they would likely have to work some magic on the roster in 2023-2024.


Thanks for reading and GO CAPS

***********************
Stats/Facts/Video Clips Provided By:

nhl.com/stats
hockey-reference.com
naturalstattrick.com
moneypuck.com
hockeyfights.com
@CapitalsPR Twitter page
@JFreshHockey
@ChatterCharts Twitter page
@Capitals Twitter page
@HersheyBears Twitter page

>>>Follow me on Twitter @HB_Capitals<<<

***********************

Join the Discussion: » 17 Comments » Post New Comment

» Ovechkin Breaks Gordie Howe's Record for Most Goals with One Team

» WSH 1, DET 3 - Ovechkin Ties Howe in Detroit

» WSH 0, DAL 2 - Caps Blanked by Oettinger and Stars

» WSH 6, NJD 3 - Washington Capitalizes on Blackwood's Off Night

» WSH 4, LAK 3 - Caps Mount Another Third Period Comeback