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Evgeni Malkin Isn't Done Yet - New Details Emerge Regarding His Future
The future is bright once again for Evgeni Malkin, as he is off to a hot start and now reportedly has plans to remain with the Penguins on a team-friendly deal.
Prior to the Pittsburgh Penguins shocking many with a 4-2 record in their first six games of the 2025-26 campaign, speculation circulated as to whether the rebuilding team would shop superstar captain Sidney Crosby or veteran center Evgeni Malkin prior to the March 6 trade deadline.
There has yet to be any indication Crosby is going anywhere, but Malkin, whose contract runs out next year, suggested in September he could suit up with a contender this year.
Despite that, Penguins reporter Josh Yohe of The Athletic wrote Tuesday that the 39-year-old isn't quite ready to throw his bags in the trunk.
Despite Evgeni Malkin being willing to take less money, GM Kyle Dubas may not want to re-sign or keep him
Reports that Malkin would take less money to remain with the sole NHL club of his career are floating around, but there is no suggestion that Penguins GM Kyle Dubas will alter his strategy in the next nine months.
"Team sources have told me that because he loves playing for the Penguins and isn't ready to be shown the door, Malkin would stick around for less money and a lesser role," Yohe shared.
Reasonably, Malkin could get injured or slow down, as last season he recorded 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games.
Up until Tuesday, though, the three-time Stanley Cup winner paces Pittsburgh with nine points on his record, two of them goals. If healthy and continuing at this rate, Malkin might play a key role in dictating how the team plays the next several months.
Yohe also added that Dubas wouldn't have any qualms about disappointing Crosby with a possible trade if it fit his vision, although it is unlikely that such an act would occur while Pittsburgh is still in the wild-card race.
In the end, the Penguins and their top two stars know that a good beginning is not going to win the season. Malkin and Crosby will have to take the team on through the long run if Pittsburgh is to escape the trenches many foresaw at the beginning.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 21 | 116 ANSWERS Evgeni Malkin Isn't Done Yet - New Details Emerge Regarding His Future Will Evgeni Malkin take a pay cut and play beyond this season with the Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 85 | 73.3 % |
| No | 31 | 26.7 % |
| List of polls | ||