Penguins, Habs Buzz with Deadline Whispers

Evgeni Malkin turns 40 this summer as a pending UFA, but he tells GM Kyle Dubas he wants one more run in Pittsburgh, with contract talks on hold until after the season. Meanwhile, the Canadiens hunt a shutdown defenseman to bolster their blue line, potentially bumping Arber Xhekaj or Jayden Struble while inquiring on names like Rasmus Ristolainen. These moves signal front offices grinding late into deadline week, where every call could reshape playoff pushes.