Penguins Unlikely to Re-Sign Malkin After 2025-26

Evgeni Malkin is expected to play his 20th and final season with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2025-26, as the team reportedly will not offer him a new contract afterward. Malkin, who turns 39 in July, has been a franchise cornerstone since 2004, accumulating 1,346 points in 1,213 games and winning three Stanley Cups. Last season, his production dropped to 50 points in 68 games, the lowest in any season where he played at least 40 games, as the Penguins missed the playoffs for a third consecutive year. Malkin has not decided whether to retire but has repeatedly stated he only wants to play for the Penguins, making his NHL future uncertain if he does not change this stance. There is speculation that he could continue his career in Russia's KHL rather than join another NHL team. This decision signals the end of an era for Pittsburgh, with other veterans like Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang also nearing the twilight of their careers.