Quoting: Mr_Gardoki
Playing through that injury last season cost him to the point he had to have surgery and HE STILL managed just under a point-per-game; that's bonkers! Prior to that season he still produced at an elite level, 1.35 points per game for 74 points in 55 games. He is still an elite generational player and at 35 has barely shown signs of slowing down.
Even as a rental the conversation would start at a 1st, 2nd and the best prospect available. TO START the conversation. You want to add in nearly half retention? Now to start the conversation you're talking about TWO 1sts, 2nd and the best prospect available.
The Pens aren't moving Geno unless they're going into a rebuild, so taking on someone like Gerard would make no sense not to mention on the left side the Pens already have Dumoulin, Pettersson, Matheson, Riikola and POJ. There's no room. The Pens are currently trying subtract, not add.
See, now that's civil discourse and a solid addition to a conversation. Thank you. Remember, this wasn't my ACGM, nor my trade.
I see where you're coming from, as I'd get just as defensive about Kopitar were there to be a trade. However, I can't agree. Just to look at a comparable trade, Eichel brought in a 1st, a 2nd, a top prospect and a roster player. You're asking for nearly the same thing before retention. Except Malkin is still 11 years older, Eichel has 4 years more after this year of team control, and both are still a question mark with injury.
I just personally don't see Malkin getting that return given my points. I'm not saying he's only gonna get like... a 7th round pick or something. He'd still bring a decent haul. I just don't think it's going to be nearly as large as you expect.
Also, I do agree that the Pens likely aren't going to be be rebuilding until Sid is gone. So that likely means no Geno trade. That's how I'd manage that team. Go for it as long as possible with the (arguable) best player in franchise history still playing at a high level.