Every other news organization in Western Pennsylvania is writing about the possible trade of Evgeni Malkin, and why it’s a good idea.

Actually, it’s a bad idea.

Here’s the other side of the argument. While the Penguins are undeniably handcuffed in terms of signing free agents because Sidney Crosby, Malkin, Jordan Staal and Marc-Andre Fleury possess such big salaries, big-name free agents don’t win Stanley Cups. Evgeni Malkin wins Stanley Cups.

Malkin makes a lot of money and, for his lofty standards, had a bad season. Is this reason enough to ship him out of town for a good winger and a couple of good prospects• Seriously?

In a perfect world, the Penguins would have more capable wingers for Crosby and Malkin. Watching the dynamic duo work magic with the likes of Chris Kunitz and Ruslan Fedotenko is like watching Peyton Manning and Tom Brady throw passes to Edward Scissorhands.

The salary cap – you know, the very thing that was credited for saving the Penguins about five years ago – simply prohibits top-notch wingers from signing here.

(It’s quite remarkable, actually. The Penguins were one of the teams that demanded a salary cap a few years ago. Now they sell out their building every night, have a new building ready, and a billionaire co-owner. If the Penguins of this era don’t become a dynasty, the salary cap is to blame.)

It’s a simple concept, really. Would you prefer having three players who make around $3 million per season, or would you rather have Malkin?

Give me Geno.

For whatever reason, a large portion of Penguins fans seems obsessed with comparing Crosby and Malkin. This has always seemed so silly. They play for the same team and are uniquely talented players. They are different and really can’t be compared. Let’s just leave it at that.

Why would anyone want to get rid of Crosby or Malkin• It makes no sense.

Malkin is only 23 and, when on top of his game, is better than Crosby or Alex Ovechkin. True, Malkin doesn’t reach his maximum ability as often as Crosby or Ovechkin, but when he does, his game showcases more artistry and more versatility.

Remember, in a year that Crosby scored a remarkable 15 playoff goals – including eight in one series against Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals – it was Malkin who won the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP, and it was Malkin who led that postseason in scoring.

There are a lot of ways to become a bad hockey franchise, and trading 23-year-old superstars is one of them. Barring a tremendously desperate general manager somewhere in the NHL, no return for Malkin could match his worth. Even considering such a move seems foolish.

That Malkin had a poor year is undeniable.

He took undisciplined penalties, didn’t score goals like one would expect and at times appeared disengaged.

And you know what• He was still one of the league’s best players.

Crosby has a way of indirectly making Malkin look bad. It must be understood that Crosby is a freak of nature, his work ethic and genuinely warm personality almost exceeding his talent. Crosby was born to be the face of hockey.

Malkin is a bit of a mystery. Speaking English hasn’t been easy for Malkin and, while he is well liked by his teammates, Malkin prefers to keep to himself.

So, because he’s quiet and shy – basically, because he’s not Crosby – Malkin should be traded?

Crosby is the world’s best hockey player, his overall game currently unmatched. But the Penguins go as Malkin goes.

At 23, does anyone really believe Malkin has peaked• Of course he hasn’t.

He was tired, he may have been hurt and his linemates this season were a horrific combination of Alexei Ponikarovsky, Ruslan Fedotenko and Max Talbot.

Sure, Malkin could have produced a better season. GM Ray Shero could have done more to help him, too.

The Penguins won the Stanley Cup last year with Crosby and Malkin rotating as the team’s best player. It was a formula that worked last season, and it will work again.

In four years with the Penguins, Malkin has won a scoring title, should have won an MVP, has produced two 100-point seasons and won a Conn Smythe Trophy. He has earned a chance to redeem himself next season.

Any thought of trading a 23-year-old man who often is hockey’s greatest player is the height of foolishness.

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