One Way Or Another, Malkin Will Play Final Season With Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins are about to finally fall, and more than they have. Evgeni Malkin, one of the centerpieces of the longtime success of the Penguins, will reportedly be playing his final season with the team, one way or another.

According to Josh Yohe, "while it remains unclear if Malkin will retire following the 2025-26 season, the Penguins are not expected to offer him another contract with the franchise, sources from the organization said."

The soon-to-be 39-year-old Malkin was drafted second overall in 2004 by the Penguins and will be playing his 20th season for the team. He won the Calder Trophy, is a three-time Stanley Cup winner, Conn Smythe Trophy winner, two-time Art Ross Trophy winner, Ted Lindsay Award winner, and Hart Trophy winner. Malkin has also scored 514 goals and recorded 1346 points in 1213 regular season games as well as 67 goals and 180 points in 177 playoff games. He has 15 seasons at or above a point-per-game.

Malkin has one year left on his deal at $6.1 million AAV and has a full no move clause. He isn't going to be traded before or during next season, but there is also a chance that he plays one final year of hockey in the KHL before he retires completely.

The Penguins' fall came a couple of years ago when the team missed the playoffs. There have been some moves to salvage the team for the veterans like Malkin and Crosby that are still around, but nothing has worked thus far. The Penguins may be ready to sell and the team is already looking to add younger talent. With Malkin's age and the direction of the team, it isn't surprising that 2025-26 is expected to be his final season in Pittsburgh.