Breaking: Penguins Make Big Decision On Evgeni Malkin

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin

It was one of the big questions facing the Pittsburgh Penguins and GM Kyle Dubas this off-season: would they be re-signing pending UFA Evgeni Malkin? After 20 years in Pittsburgh, part of three Stanley Cup winners, would it be possible that they'd actually part ways?

The answer came today, and it was a resounding no—Malkin would not be taking his talents elsewhere, signing up for one more year with the Penguins at $5.5 million. He's returning for his age-40 season.

BREAKING: The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Evgeni Malkin to a one-year deal worth $5.5M AAV. pic.twitter.com/DKujU5jX6N
— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) May 26, 2026

According to sources, the $5.5M is guaranteed, but he can also earn another $500,000 in games played bonuses ($250K at each of 42 and 63 games played), an extra $1M if the team qualifies for the playoffs, and another half a million for each playoff round won. Insider Chris Johnston also reports that the contract includes a no-movement clause.

Malkin finished up his four-year deal with a $6.1 million AAV this season. He was back to being better than a point-per-game player for the first time in three years, posting 19 goals and 61 points in 56 games. He logged 17:36 average ice time per night.

The 6-foot-5, 213-pound forward led the Penguins to a 2009 Stanley Cup victory, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy with 36 points in 24 games. He also led the playoffs in scoring for their 2017 Cup run, with 28 points in 25 games.

Overall, since his debut in 2006, Malkin has racked up 533 goals (fourth in the NHL in that time), 874 assists (third overall since then), and 1,407 points, also third over the last 20 seasons.