Maple Leafs analyst claims Evgeni Malkin might be a viable trade target

He and Sidney Crosby are currently on a Penguins team that is not living up to expectations and fans are getting very frustrated.

Moreover, general manager Kyle Dubas is facing a lot of pressure and criticism right now. Fans believe he needs to do a better job and some moves need to be made.

Some think that Dubas owes it to Malkin and Crosby to trade them to better situations. While many are going to disagree with this, there is a case to be made that it would, indeed, be for the best.

In a new report from The Leafs Nation, it was argued that the Maple Leafs should actually consider trading for Malkin.

The cap hit for Malkin certainly isn't bad but there is no doubt that if the Leafs were to do this, they would have to give up some significant talent.

Given Malkin's age, it is actually pretty hard to imagine this ever being a good idea worth considering. However, you really never know.

Dubas was once the GM of the Leafs, so perhaps he would be interested in helping out his former team. If not, then the Penguins could find a litany of other potential partners.

For now, the Leafs should focus on something a bit more realistic, like their stretch of games that includes the Edmonton Oilers tonight.