Report: Penguins targeting Kulemin to play alongside Malkin

The Pittsburgh Penguins have their sights set on a winger that can play with Evgeni Malkin. That winger is unrestricted free-agent Nikolai Kulemin.

Kulemin, a lifetime Toronto Maple Leafs forward, played through a two-year, $5.6 million contract and is unlikely to strike a deal with the Leafs before he becomes a free agent July 1st.

From Josh Yohe of triblive:

Malkin lost his preferred linemate Friday when the Penguins traded right winger James Neal to Nashville. Hours after the trade, Rutherford said he would try to “satisfy” Malkin through free agency... The Penguins intend to aggressively pursue their targets.

Yohe reports Kulemin and Malkin are best friends and the move seems imminent.