Here are your Pens Points for this Wednesday morning…
As the debate to re-sign Evgeni Malkin continues to be the dominant news item (and figures to remain that way until a decision is made), two opposing views on Malkin’s future with the Penguins win out above everything else: one argument is that he’s still productive and deserves to return for a final season, while the other says the team should move on to prioritize a long-term rebuild. Which one will win out is anyone’s guess. [PensBurgh]
Advertisement
Forward Anthony Mantha said he felt “right at home” during his lone season with the Penguins after posting career-best numbers, including 33 goals and 64 points. His postseason performance left much to be desired, however. As he likely hits the open market, Mantha said he’d still welcome a return to Pittsburgh. [Trib Live]
News and notes from around the NHL…
The Toronto Maple Leafs won the NHL draft lottery on Tuesday night despite having the fifth-best odds, securing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft. After a disappointing 2025-26 season, the team is now in a position to draft a difference-making prospect as new general manager John Chayka helms the ship in rough waters. [Sportsnet]
Jim Rutherford said he will step down as the Vancouver Canucks’ president of hockey operations and move into an advisory role following next month’s draft. [TSN]
Advertisement
Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman revealed in a statement on Tuesday that he stepped away from the team to focus on his mental health, explaining that his decision, while difficult, was necessary to take care of himself and return as a better player, teammate, and person. [Sportsnet]
New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer headlines the finalists for the Calder Memorial Trophy, joined by Montreal’s Ivan Demidov and Anaheim’s Beckett Sennecke. [ESPN]
Read the full article here