Evgeni Malkin's Offseason Demand to Penguins Coaches Revealed Publicly

The Pittsburgh Penguins were expected to struggle in 2025/26, but through their first 16 games, they sit at 9-4-3, with their veterans highlighting what has been a surprising start for them.

The biggest shock of all has to be the success of Justin Brazeau, who has joined the line of Evgeni Malkin and Anthony Mantha to create a dynamic trio, tallying 6 goals and 12 points in 12 games played.

Unfortunately, Brazeau has gone down with injury, and as a result, that line has been shaken up, with Tommy Novak stepping up to take on a top-six role alongside the two veterans.

Now, we know why it's Novak, as it has been revealed by The Athletic's Josh Yohe that Malkin told the coaching staff in the off-season that he believes he'll have good chemistry with Novak, thus the promotion.

At this point, Malkin has the respect of the Penguins coaching staff and the entire organization, so whatever he suggests the team are likely to take it on board, and now, Novak has the chance to establish himself as a top-six forward.

Thus far, the line hasn't clicked the way it did with Brazeau, but there's still been some solid production, and with at least a few weeks before the injury forward gets back, there's the hope that this line can grow their chemistry.

It's unclear why Malkin believed he'd be a fit alongside Novak, but clearly anything he's touched this season has worked, so now, time will tell if they can recapture the success that they had earlier in the year as their unlikely surge to the post-season continues.