Leafs Reporter Suggests Evgeni Malkin to Toronto a Real Possibility

It's no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs are lacking in the centre-depth department this season. There may be a serious push at the trade deadline to make an addition there, but one suggestion being made is that GM Brad Treliving should go all out and strike a deal with ex-Leafs GM Kyle Dubas.

In what could only be called the longest of long shots, Jon Steitzer of The Leafs Nation is suggesting Evgeni Malkin as the player to fill the gap at centre for the Maple Leafs.

Steitzer even states that the $6.1 million cap hit that comes with the star player is no problem.

The report does state the obvious in that Dubas, who was recently eviscerated by a radio host for his past and present indiscretions, has no reason to do any favours for his old team. But, that $6.1 million dollar cap hit, and the assets that would be required in the return, is nothing short of a massive Hail Mary for current Leafs GM Brad Treliving.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet recently said that Penguins GM Kyle Dubas was "open for business", with everyone on the trade block other than superstar Sidney Crosby.

Even with that, the enormous cap hit and Evgeni Malkin's own admission that he wants to stay with the Pittsburgh Penguins despite the 'tough situation,' means this suggestion is makes as much sense as allowing a 27-year-old to step into the ring with a 58-year-old Mike Tyson on Netflix.

Malkin isn't a rental player either. He has another season left on his current contract after this one, so the ask is probably sky high. With the lengthy history of injuries as well, perhaps this is a deal that the Leafs should not pursue.