Pittsburgh Penguins Reportedly Willing to Trade Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang After Surprising Update

The Pittsburgh Penguins are having a horrific start to the season, and word from the team is that trades could be coming, with everyone except Crosby available.

The 16,526 fans at PPG Paints Arena to watch Monday's game against the Stars saw something that will go down in very unwanted Penguins history: an incredible six-goal collapse in the first period, the most goals this team has ever allowed in a first period at home.

This 7-1 blowout comes on the heels of what felt like such a promising third period just days earlier in Washington, but whatever optimism there was didn't last long.

The Penguins were flat from the drop of the puck, and it was clear they were never in this game.

Marcus Pettersson candidly summarized the situation, best described as "same old thing."

In fact, the record, now 6-9-2, underlined a streaky, defensively-strained season that has a third consecutive playoff miss as a forthcoming likelihood.

So where does this leave them? Kyle Dubas, the Penguins GM, has said to have told people, "Everyone is available, except 87", which is Sidney Crosby. Paul Bissonnette would disagree with that statement, as he publicly stated he wants Crosby traded out of Pittsburgh.

This means that change can come, but not a full rebuild, one that Crosby's legacy has likely postponed.

The goal isn't to accrue future assets but to find players that can help the team currently since ownership promised Crosby a competitive season.

And Dubas has been scouting, not just for future talent, but for immediate solutions. His recent road trips to NHL games with assistant GM Jason Spezza and Amanda Kessel, head of minor league operations, are a good indication he is serious about roster upgrades and not just Hockey Canada duties.

Yes, Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Bryan Rust, and Erik Karlsson have no-movement clauses, but under the right circumstances, a few of them would likely waive it.

The Penguins' front office knows changes are needed. If anything, Monday's debacle against Dallas only put a fine point on it, making the contemplation of just how to salvage the season with Crosby still at the center of their plans even more consideration-worthy.

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