Penguins, Evgeni Malkin to Discuss Contract Extension

39-year-old forward is in final year of 4-year, $24.4 million deal

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:39am

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The Pittsburgh Penguins and star forward Evgeni Malkin will meet after the conclusion of the 2025-26 season to discuss his future with the team, according to NHL.com's Wes Crosby. The 39-year-old Malkin is in the final year of a four-year, $24.4 million contract.

Why it matters

Malkin has been a cornerstone of the Penguins franchise for nearly two decades, helping the team win three Stanley Cup championships. Retaining him would be crucial for the team's continued success and competitiveness, but his age may factor into contract negotiations.

The details

Malkin, who turns 40 in July 2026, is coming off a season in which he scored 18 goals and recorded 32 assists in 65 games. The Penguins will need to weigh Malkin's declining production against his leadership and experience as they decide whether to offer him a contract extension.

  • The Penguins and Malkin will meet after the conclusion of the 2025-26 NHL season to discuss his future.

The players

Evgeni Malkin

A 39-year-old forward who has spent his entire 19-year NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, helping the team win three Stanley Cup championships.

Pittsburgh Penguins

An NHL franchise based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that has won 5 Stanley Cup championships, including 3 with Evgeni Malkin as a key player.

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What’s next

The Penguins and Malkin will need to come to an agreement on a potential contract extension after the 2025-26 season, weighing Malkin's age and declining production against his leadership and experience.

The takeaway

Malkin's future with the Penguins will be a key storyline to watch in the offseason, as the team must decide whether to retain the veteran forward who has been a cornerstone of the franchise for nearly two decades.