The Pittsburgh Penguins won’t offer Evgeni Malkin a new contract when his current deal expires after the 2025-26 season, according to sources who spoke with The Athletic’s Josh Yohe.
It’s unclear whether Malkin plans to retire after next season, which will mark his 20th NHL campaign.
The veteran forward has repeatedly said he only wants to play for Pittsburgh. He told reporters in February that he’ll finish his career with the Penguins.
Malkin signed a four-year deal worth $6.10 million against the salary cap in July 2022. At the time, rumors swirled that he might test free agency.
The 38-year-old reportedly told teammates back then that the Penguins’ front office – led by president of hockey operations Brian Burke and general manager Ron Hextall – thought he “wasn’t good anymore.”
Malkin ranks second in franchise history with 1,213 games played.
He sits third in team history in goals (514), assists (832) and points (1,346) during regular season play. The future Hall of Famer also ranks second in playoff points (180), assists (113) and game-winning goals (13) across 177 postseason games.
Malkin helped Pittsburgh capture three Stanley Cups in 2009, 2016 and 2017.
He’s reached 100 points three times during his career. His most recent century mark came in 2011-12 when he scored 50 goals – the only time he’s hit that milestone.
Malkin scored at least 40 goals twice, including a 40-goal campaign in 2017-18.
This past season, he recorded 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games. That pace projects to 19 goals and 60 points over a full 82-game schedule. He scored 27 goals in each of the previous two seasons.
The Penguins have missed the playoffs for three consecutive years. They finished 11 points out of a playoff spot this past season with a 34-36-12 record, placing seventh in the Metropolitan Division.
