Evgeni Malkin Drops Shocking Hint About His Potential Future

Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins center, during pregame warmup

Will Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin finish their careers with the Pittsburgh Penguins? That's one of the big questions entering this season. And while Crosby's future will continue to use up most of the oxygen in Pittsburgh, let's not ignore the fact that Malkin is entering the final year of his contract.

Even at age 39, he would be an in-demand center at the trade deadline if he would ever consider waiving his no-trade clause.

Would he? He was asked that question today at training camp. It seems that the shocking move of Brad Marchand from the Boston Bruins to the Florida Panthers at last season's deadline (and the former Bruin's subsequent raising of the Stanley Cup) has tweaked Malkin's interest.

Evgeni Malkin on if he'd consider waiving his no-trade clause: “It’s hard, you know? But again, we see a story, like, with Brad Marchand. Looking good, you know? But again, if the team trades you and you (don’t) win the Cup, it’s like a little bit weird, too, you know?" #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) September 19, 2025

“It’s hard, you know? But again, we see a story, like, with Brad Marchand. Looking good, you know? But again, if the team trades you and you (don’t) win the Cup, it’s like a little bit weird, too, you know?"

Malkin referred to Brad Marchand's 2025 season as potential dream blueprint

Malkin reiterated that he does want to stay a Penguin, but at the very least, he has left the door ajar.

"Of course, everybody wants to try to play in the playoffs, and maybe one more run for the Cup. It’s a great story when you see it on TV, but I don’t know how I feel if team wants to trade me."

This morning, Evgeni Malkin went more in-depth on his situation.

"If it's my last year here, I have 20 years, that's not bad... I'm glad to be a Penguin, I'm glad to win three Stanley Cups. If I have the chance to play next year, I’ll do it."

Transcript: https://t.co/bl8zzfQ2bv pic.twitter.com/Mvi5vpu4BD
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) September 19, 2025

"If it's my last year here, I have 20 years played here, that's not bad too, you know? I'm glad to be a Penguin, I'm glad to win three Stanley Cups here. If I have the chance to play next year, I'll do it."

Malkin has 1,213 regular-season games played for the Penguins, with 514 goals and 1,346 points. He's added 180 points in 177 playoff games. His trophy case is stacked with a Calder, two Art Rosses, a Hart, a Conn Smythe, and those three Lord Stanley mugs.