HOW TO REPLACE MALKIN: THE ALEXEI KOVALEV REUNION

How to replace Malkin:

The Alexei Kovalev Reunion

With the February 28 trade deadline looming, the recent loss of Evgeni Malkin and the uncertainty of Sidney Crosby, the Penguins are going to need to make a move if they truly want to be legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. The Penguins are currently 4^th in the Eastern Conference with 74 points only 3 points behind the Flyers. The Penguins have won the first 4 out of 5 without Crosby and Malkin on the ice. However, that is not going to be good enough to bring the Cup back to the Burgh.

The Penguins are going to need to make a move to help stabilize and spark the offense.  In my opinion, Jordan Staal can’t carry the offensive load on his shoulders. He has great skills but being a high power offensive attacker just isn’t his game. Dupuis, Kennedy, and Kunitz all have the ability to score, yet their all more of role players and the same type of player that needs a star on the ice to help elevate their games. Even before Malkin went down with his injury I was calling for a trade to bring in some more offensive fire power.

So let’s take a look at some potential trade partners that could help weather the storm until Crosby gets back and help the Pens make a push for another Stanley Cup.

Alexei Kovalev: Ottowa Senators

Kovalev would be a great fit with the Penguins this year. He would bring some veteran leadership and even at his age (37), Kovalev can still fly and put the puck in the net. In his first illustrious stint with the Penguins, Kovalev recorded 149 goals and 198 assists. Kovalev is familiar with Pittsburgh spending some of his best years of his career here and would instantly become a fan favorite.

Jussi  Jokinen: Carolina Hurricanes

Jokinen is a complete two-way hockey player. He has a solid set of skills and is a very balanced offensive playmaker. Jokinen can bury the puck and distribute it just as well. If the Penguins can find a way to make this deal, then I would try to lock him up for the next few years.

Dustin Penner:  Edmonton Oilers

Standing at 6’4 and weighing 245 pounds, Dustin Penner is a giant on skates. Playing the wing, Penner is another player on this list that can play two-way hockey. Penner can crush you with his body and can crush your with his shot.

Marian Gaborik:  NY Rangers

Gaborik is a pure scorer reaching is 3^rd overall draft pick potential last season scoring 42 goals for the Rangers.  Gaborik has the ability to take over the game at any moment and would provide a much needed spark in this injured, lackluster current Penguin offense.