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Penguins Set to Cut Ties Permanently With Evgeni Malkin After Next Season, Per Josh Yohe
It could be a very difficult time for Penguins fans coming up, as reports indicate that 2025-26 could be the very last NHL season for star forward Evgeni Malkin.
While the Pittsburgh Penguins have already undergone a major transition with the switch in coaching from Mike Sullivan to Dan Muse, there could be another major move on the way.
The latest report from beat writer Josh Yohe of The Athletic indicates that the Penguins could be preparing for the imminent departure of star forward Evgeni Malkin, who has been a mainstay on the roster since his rookie year of 2006-07.
Yohe reports that 2025-26 will be the last NHL season for Malkin, coinciding with the final year of his current contract.
Evgeni Malkin will return for his 20th campaign with the Penguins next season.
It will be his last in Pittsburgh.
While it remains unclear if future Hall of Fame center will retire following the 2025-26 season, the Penguins are not expected to offer him another contract with the franchise, sources within the organization said.
It will be his last in Pittsburgh.
While it remains unclear if future Hall of Fame center will retire following the 2025-26 season, the Penguins are not expected to offer him another contract with the franchise, sources within the organization said.
Malkin was limited to only 68 games this year, and had 50 points (16G, 34A) as the Penguins missed the postseason for the 3rd straight year, marking the longest drought in Malkin's career along with his longtime teammate and fellow Pittsburgh icon Sidney Crosby.
Prior to 2022-23, there was speculation that Malkin could depart Pittsburgh before he was signed to a 4 year deal with an AAV (average annual value) of $6.1 million by former general manager Ron Hextall.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 16 | 214 ANSWERS Penguins Set to Cut Ties Permanently With Evgeni Malkin After Next Season, Per Josh Yohe Should Evgeni Malkin retire after this upcoming season? | ||
| Yes, it's time | 163 | 76.2 % |
| No, he still has mileage on the tires | 51 | 23.8 % |
| List of polls | ||