Faceoff Factor

Markov Burgh-Bound?

Matt Bodenschatz | National Hockey League

Aug 31, 01:57 PM | Hype this story!

Rugged defenseman Danny Markov has traveled around the NHL quite a bit throughout his career.

So what’s one more?

Still unsigned, Markov’s name has been rumored in connection with many NHL teams this summer.

Most recently, he has been linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Some reports, including this one suggest that Penguins general manager Ray Shero has offered the Russian a two-year contract. Markov, apparently is “mulling” over it.

John Steigerwald of KDKA TV out of Pittsburgh last night reported that Markov’s agent would neither confirm nor deny the rumor.

Now word comes that the 31-year-old could find his way back to Russia if no NHL team offers him what he wants.

He apparently also has a one-year offer on the table from Vityaz Chekhov of the Russian Superleague.

But, assuming the Penguins rumor is true, let’s take a look at how this acquisition would impact the arctic birds.

The team’s current top-six defensemen are as follows (in no particular order): Sergei Gonchar, Mark Eaton, Brooks Orpik, Ryan Whitney, Darryl Sydor and Kristopher Letang. Rob Scuderi, Mike Weaver and Alain Nasreddine will do battle for the seventh spot.

So, if Markov were to join the mix, he instantly would become one of the team’s top defensive defensemen and would add a much-needed physical element.

There seem to be three possibilities of how to get Markov into the lineup.

1. Bench Orpik. The physical defender often takes himself out of position to make a big hit and rarely (if ever) sees time on the penalty kill. The downside is that, like Markov, he provides a physical presence to a defense that otherwise lacks it.

2. Bench Eaton. When last season started, Eaton looked to be a diamond in the rough. Then he hurt his wrist, missed half of the season, and never returned to form. If he plays like he did upon returning last season, he shouldn’t be in the top-six. The downside here is that, even when not at his best, Eaton is one of the team’s top penalty killers.

3. Demote Letang. Many have this young defenseman penciled into the lineup, but a sure thing for this season, he is not. While his offense may be up to NHL standards, his defensive game is not necessarily a strength. The downside is that Letang is a right-handed shot and could help to form a second powerplay unit that rivals many team’s top units.

Obviously there is no clear-cut answer, but I suppose that is a good problem to have.

And, though Markov is far from certain to wear Penguin uniform (at least at this point), one thing is for certain: the Penguins’ defense is a work in progress that could use an upgrade.