After Fleury the team’s No. 2 priority is Malone. He is a very important piece in the Penguins’ success. He’s big and strong and has turned into a player who imposes his physical will on opponents. The kind of power-forward mentality Malone brings to the ice is needed by the Penguins.

Malone grew up in Pittsburgh and his dad played for the Penguins so he has strong ties to the city but also knows his leverage to earn big dollars will most likely never be greater than it is now. His will be a very interesting case for the Penguins because if he gets to unrestricted free agency he could perhaps get a more lucrative and longer offer than the Penguins will be able to make but also Malone might take less money to stay with Pittsburgh. Again it will be very interesting to see how his situation plays out.

Orpik is also an important player for the Penguins as he is their most physical defenseman. They are going to want to sign him to a new deal but it’s going to cost them as he’s in line for a big raise from his current salary which is just over $1 million this season.

Both Malkin and Staal are rising young stars and the Penguins would much rather get new deals done with both before either becomes a restricted free agent. Look for Shero to take steps between now and next summer to reach new agreements with both. Rather than having to eventually choose between the two look for Shero – if needed -- to get rid of salary in any other way he can so as to be able to keep both young stars in Pittsburgh.

Malkin’s price will be higher than Staal’s but if the Penguins can lock them both up then with Crosby, Malkin and Staal (ages 20, 21 and 19 respectively) they will have power and excellence down the middle that no other team can come close to matching.

As valuable an addition as Marian Hossa (obtained in late February from Atlanta) has been to the Penguins don’t look for him to be with Pittsburgh next season. As an unrestricted free agent this summer he’s looking at his ultimate payday and could very well command a long-term deal of maybe as high as $8 million per year. The Penguins wouldn’t compromise their ability to sign Malkin and Staal to new deals by spending that kind of money on Hossa.

If the Penguins are successful in keeping their core players they can make a run at becoming a modern-day NHL dynasty, which in this era equates to winning at least three championships in five years and doing so without a major overhaul of the roster.

MORE FROM NHL

NHL Section Front

Crosby pointless again as Pens fall to Bruins Perron has hat trick, paces Blues' rout of Canucks Boyle's late goal lifts Sharks over Predators NHL GMs keep trapezoid, will discuss headshots Sabres F Mair clears waivers, to stay in Buffalo Breaking down the perfect NHL player Live odds Matchups/Injuries Vote: Who will win the Stanley Cup? Rotoworld: Latest NHL player news, rumors, more NHL Section Front   Add NHL headlines to your news reader: