Evgeni Malkin Deserves Serious Consideration for the Art Ross Trophy

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:59 p.m. ET

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His Name Might Not Be the First to Come to Mind When Considering the Art Ross Trophy Winner This Season But Evgeni Malkin is Proving That He is Crafting the Perfect Art Ross Trophy Campaign.

Just yesterday I was watching the re run of the Oilers vs Pittsburgh match up. First thing they highlight the Crosby vs McDavid matchup, which is understandable. But they showed only Crosby and McDavid highlights, then finished it off with Phil Kessel's goal in the shootout. Not to mention Malkin had the 2nd goal for the Penguins that game and played phenomenal, not one highlight of him. He deserves Art Ross recognition.

A highly controversial topic, which many will not even consider my notion and others may hear me out. When one thinks of the Art Ross, immediately, flashy goals, timely goals, impeachable helpers, consistency and just an overall dominate player.

First few names that come to your head, Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane. Which you're not wrong, all these player have attributes to their game that make them special and flat out indescribable. One name which we all should consider for the Art Ross this season is Evgeni Malkin.

Hear me out, it's definitely a valid argument. Many over see Malkin because of Crosby and the line up Pittsburgh has.

Despite missing 11 games Malkin is still right up there with the leaders in the league. Malkin is posting numbers like he did during his 2011-2012 year, which in fact he won the Art Ross that season. Malkin is #3 in points with 71, only trailing Kane by four. Second in goals with 32, only trailing teammate Crosby by two. And tied with multiple players with 39 assists. Malkin may not be on a pace for a career year, but he is on pace for nearly 100 points.

When you talk about the Penguins, you cannot leave out Malkin's name. He's been one of, if not the most dominant player for this Pittsburgh team. Malkin's speed, size and physical stature makes him one of the best forwards in the league.

Understanding the Art Ross is solely based on points, it's tough for Malkin to get the kind of recognition he deserves. Among a league where the next big story is Sidney Crosby vs Connor McDavid or Patrick Kane's last month posting numbers that are unheard of. Or Auston Matthews vs Patrik Laine for the Calder.

Malkin in a way does not receive enough recognition, being surrounded by all these other players and big headlines in the league. So be it, but give credit where credit is due.

Malkin is up there with the league leaders and always has been an elite forward his whole career. Take Malkin's name into consideration come June for the NHL award ceremony.