Welcome to NHL Rumours! We are approaching the end of the Stanley Cup Final. We also may be approaching the end of an era in Pittsburgh. Today’s rumour pertains to the future of Evgeni Malkin with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
NHL Rumours
Malkin’s Future in Pittsburgh
Rumour: Josh Yohe, the Penguins beat writer, reported Monday that Malkin will return to the Penguins for the 2025-26 season. However, it will be Malkin’s last season with the Penguins. Yohe notes that he is unsure if Malkin will choose to retire after the season, but the Pens will not be offered him a contract extension.
Analysis: This appears to be a “necessary evil,” for the rebuilding Penguins. This will not be a popular decision by any means, but this does help the Penguins continue their rebuild. At 38-years old (39 when the season starts), Malkin is no longer what the Penguins need. New players and personnel are arriving in Pittsburgh while the organization looks to part ways with those who no longer fit the vision. It appears Malkin is one of them.
The Malkin Era
Malkin was drafted second overall by the Penguins in 2004. Malkin jumped on the scene in the 2006-07 season, scoring 33 goals and winning the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie. 18
years later, the Malkin era has only continued to impress. Malkin has played in 1,213 games, He has scored 514 goals and recorded 832 assists for a total of 1,346 points. In 2019, Malkin became the fifth Russian to record 1,000 points.
Malkin’s best season came in 2011-12. The forward scored 50 goals and recorded 109 points. This was a much-needed boost for the Penguins, who were still dealing with the absence of Sidney Crosby. At the end of the season, Malkin was awarded the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player.
Malkin has won the Stanley Cup three times with the Pens, including going back-to-back in 2016 and 2017. In 2009, Malkin won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs.
Malkin is no undoubtedly headed to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot.
Malkin’s Future
Yohe explains how Malkin is embracing the upcoming season with the Penguins. As one would expect, Malkin is only focused on 2025-26 and how he can help the only team he has ever played for.
It is hard to believe Malkin wearing another team’s logo. However, if he wants to continue playing in the NHL, another team may be his only choice. It is also possible that the Russian native will return home and play in a league there to conclude his playing days.
Farewell in Pittsburgh
The Penguins will undoubtedly plan farewell events for one of the franchise’s best players. The schedule for this coming season has not yet been released, so it is unclear how these events will be planned.
If you are a fan of Malkin, be sure to watch him play this season. It could be his last. Furthermore, if you are a fan of the Crosby-Malkin duo, you will also want to tune in to watch the pair skate.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire- Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours: Evgeni Malkin’s Future in Pittsburgh appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.