Madden Monday: Evgeni Malkin's future; might T.J. Watt eventually follow J.J. instead of the other way around?

Feb. 15—Last week on his 105.9 The X radio show, Mark Madden said he was hearing that Penguins center Evgeni Malkin was not going to be traded and that an extension may be looming.

But during this week's "Madden Monday" podcast, based on some new information, those assertions have been tempered.

"I've since got a bit of a disclaimer from somebody who would know," Madden said. "Saying that Geno is not likely to be traded. Mario (Lemieux) doesn't want to. But that could be up for review. The only true untouchable is Sid (Crosby)."

So what happens if the Penguins do try to trade Malkin? Does the deal have to be with Florida? Is Malkin's preference to stay in Pittsburgh, go to Miami where he wife and child are residing full time, or bust?

"I think it'll be whatever his wife tells him to do," Madden replied. "I think she would love for Geno to go to Florida.

"I think that if they tried to trade Geno, that he would be (ticked) off enough about that that he would say 'go ahead and trade me' provided that it was to where he wanted. Then again, I don't think Sid wants Geno traded. In fact, I'm sure he doesn't. There are a lot of different ways that could play out. If you made me bet right now, I would bet Geno finishes his NHL career as a Penguin."

On the Steelers front, Madden remains dubious of the Steelers acquiring J.J. Watt to unite him with his brothers — T.J. and Derek. After all, they have cap problems and two qualified starters at defensive end with Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt. Madden actually sees things going the opposite direction.

"I think it is more likely that J.J. Watt signs somewhere, and then T.J. Watt joins him somewhere the year after," Madden said.

That's a doomsday scenario for the Steelers. But not one I would eliminate.

Part of the reason why it seems less than plausible that J.J. Watt joins the Steelers is that they have so many other holes to fill and so few salary cap dollars to do it. Especially with the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey at center.

One debate mounting about Pouncey is if he is likely to get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"He's definitely a Hall of Famer," Madden said. "Although I think it will take him a while to get in. Maybe as long as Al Faneca (six years). Maybe a little longer. (Pouncey) is one of the best 10 centers of all time. I don't see how he doesn't make it."

Mark and I also get into a more important Hall of Fame debate — if Iron Maiden is going to make the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. We also kick around Ben Roethlisberger's future, Greta Van Fleet's new single and the new "Young Rock" television show.

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Listen: Tim Benz and Mark Madden discuss Evgeni Malkin's future with Penguins; would T.J. Watt follow J.J. Watt to another team?

Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via Twitter. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.