Just about a week ago at this time, you were probably ready to blow up the Penguins. Fire the coach! Trade Geno! Trade Letang! Get rid of Jarry!
But are those moves realistic? Could they actually happen?
The answers, in order - No, most likely no, probably no and almost definitely no.
Mike Sullivan
Despite another first round playoff exit, it appears that Sullivan's job is safe. He did put his skaters in a position to win. They followed his game plan and deserved better than what they got. They failed to advance because of poor goaltending. Sullivan can't even be faulted for sticking with Tristan Jarry because Casey DeSmith was out with a groin injury.
He should have gone to Maxime Legace after the Islanders' 4th goal in Game 6 but at that point it was probably too late, anyway.
Sully will be back but if things start poorly next season he may not get the benefit of the doubt.
Evgeni Malkin
After the acquisition of Jeff Carter, exploring a Malkin trade might make sense except for two reasons.
Sadly, Malkin isn't really tradeable. He is still one of the NHL's better players but he turns 35 July 31st. He'll be an unrestricted free agent after next season and his $9.5 million cap hit makes him tough to move with a flat cap so you figure the Pens would have to absorb a good portion of Malkin's salary. He is really worth more to the Penguins than any potential return unless new management thinks dumping even half his salary would result in a solid free agent signing.
Second, Malkin would have to agree to it. Unless it's to Florida, that's unlikely. There is a nice salary match but I don't think the Panthers will be sending defenseman Aaron Ekblad Pittsburgh's way.
Kris Letang
Even though he just turned 34 and is also entering the final year of his contract, Letang might still bring a decent return. However, he is also untradeable but for a different reason. The Penguins can't afford to lose him; at least not right now.
Had John Marino taken a step forward in his second season, then maybe. But, if anything, he actually took a small step back. Marino isn't ready for a top pairing. Plus, the Penguins will almost certainly lose Cody Ceci who has earned himself a huge raise after a pleasantly surprising season and will be tough to re-sign which leaves them tin on the right side.
Rather than trading Letang, the Pens would do well to give him a modest extension.
Tristan Jarry
After what happened against the Islanders, what team would want him? Seattle may very well have first dibs in the expansion draft.
The 2021-22 Penguins will be different. Just probably not as different as you may have thought a week ago.
