Penguins and Evgeni Malkin Discuss One-Year Contract Extension

The veteran center could remain in Pittsburgh for his age-40 season.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 3:20am

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Evgeni Malkin, the veteran center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, is reportedly open to signing a one-year contract extension with the team. NHL insider David Pagnotta reported that the Penguins are also interested in keeping Malkin, who has played his entire 20-year career in Pittsburgh. Malkin, who will turn 40 in July, is having a strong season so far with 13 goals and 31 assists in 41 games.

Why it matters

Malkin is a key part of the Penguins' core along with Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, who are also aging veterans. Keeping Malkin for another season would provide stability and leadership for the team as they aim to make another playoff run.

The details

Malkin is in the final year of his current contract with the Penguins. Despite being 39 years old, he is still producing at a high level, averaging over a point per game this season. The Penguins are reportedly interested in bringing him back on a one-year deal, which would allow Malkin to play out his age-40 season in Pittsburgh.

  • Malkin will turn 40 years old in July 2026.
  • Malkin has played all 20 of his NHL seasons with the Penguins.

The players

Evgeni Malkin

A veteran center who has spent his entire 20-year NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is a key part of the team's core along with Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang.

David Pagnotta

An NHL insider who reported that Malkin is "open to" a one-year contract extension with the Penguins.

Sidney Crosby

The Penguins' captain and another veteran star player who has played alongside Malkin for many years.

Kris Letang

A veteran defenseman who has been part of the Penguins' core group with Malkin and Crosby.

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What they’re saying

“Malkin is "open to" a one-year extension with the Penguins, and he thinks the Penguins would be up for that deal, too.”

— David Pagnotta, NHL insider

What’s next

The Penguins and Malkin will likely wait until the end of the current season to finalize any contract extension, as both sides evaluate Malkin's performance and the team's needs going forward.

The takeaway

Keeping Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh for one more season would provide valuable continuity and leadership for the aging Penguins core as they aim to make another deep playoff run. Malkin's willingness to consider a one-year deal shows his commitment to the franchise he has played for his entire career.