Evgeni Malkin's Trade Fate Confirmed by Pittsburgh Penguins Insider Rob Rossi

With Tyler Seguin likely out for much of the season rehabbing from hip surgery, the Dallas Stars might have been looking towards finding reinforcements down the middle as they keep competitive in the Central Division.

A rather ambitious name to be floated was none other than Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the NHL's most dynamic playmakers.

But according to NHL insider Rob Rossi, that's nothing more than a rumor. As Rossi has definitively stated, the Pittsburgh Penguins are absolutely not trading Evgeni Malkin.

Impactful still at 38 years young, Malkin is posting elite numbers offensively and adds a level of experience that would have seen Dallas' contender status improved in a hurry, but it doesn't appear that will be happening after all.

To start, the Penguins view Malkin as a core foundational element of the franchise, not a moveable chip. After 17 seasons in Pittsburgh, Malkin is synonymous with the Penguins' success.

The Penguins organization hasn't shown any signs of entertaining trade offers, and any potential deal would require an unprecedented offer from Dallas.

Malkin's contract also carries a full no-trade clause; he can veto any potential deal, which is yet another reason a trade likely would not happen.

Malkin has professed his love for Pittsburgh and loyalty to the Penguins franchise repeatedly over the years, so it is highly unlikely he'd waive it.

In other words, as big as the void would be that Malkin could fill for the Stars to help them in the playoffs, the reality is simple, the Penguins are keeping their legend, and Malkin isn't going anywhere, and that was especially confirmed by Mr. Rossi.

Dallas might need to look for other, more realistic options as they navigate the coming months without Seguin.