Buffalo Sabres: Evgeni Malkin has entered the rumor mill

The Buffalo Sabres have $40 million to spend in cap space this offseason, meaning they can sign a prize free agent or two. 

Earlier, I wrote about how the Buffalo Sabres could be a hot landing spot for Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman, Kris Letang. But Evgeni Malkin’s name has also been picking up steam, as WIBX reported three days ago.

Realistically, the Sabres would not sign both former Penguins even if they have the cap space to do so. And even more realistically, Letang would be the likelier of the two since Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams has already stated his interest in signing a veteran defenseman.

But, this is always a fun time to play the ‘What-If Game’ in what is always a long NHL offseason. So let’s ask the question: Will the Buffalo Sabres target Evgeni Malkin if he remains an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA)?

Do the Buffalo Sabres have a legitimate chance to land Evgeni Malkin?

On May 17th, the Bleacher Report outlined six potential landing spots for Malkin. Buffalo was not one of them, but they listed New Jersey, the New York Islanders, and Anaheim as three of the six spots. Judging from their article, it indicates Malkin may be open to joining a team that wasn’t a contender last season.

The Sabres fall into that category. However, the article also indicates that Malkin may be more interested in ending up in a large market. The other two landing spots were Toronto and Boston. Pittsburgh rounded out the final landing spot. It also happened to be the smallest market on the list.

Overall, while Malkin is in the rumor mill, I wouldn’t hold my breath over him. He’s a great hockey player and a surefire legend in Pittsburgh Penguins lore. But if the Sabres are going to go after a soon-to-be former Penguin, it’s going to be Kris Letang, not Malkin.

The Sabres could use Malkin’s services. But as far as prized free agents go, they will come on defense to pair with Owen Power.