Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas stated he will not continue year-to-year contract cycles with Evgeni Malkin following the center's one-year extension in May.
Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas announced during a Monday media availability that he is finished navigating "day-to-day, year-to-year" contract situations regarding Evgeni Malkin. The 38-year-old center signed a one-year extension in May to return for his 21st NHL season after recording 19 goals and 61 points across 56 games in 2025-26. Dubas’ comments come two days before Pittsburgh opens the 2026-27 regular season on Wednesday.
Malkin enters the campaign ranking third in franchise history with 1,407 career points, trailing only Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby. Despite helping the Penguins achieve the league’s third-ranked offense last year, the veteran forward waited until May to commit to the club following a first-round playoff loss to Philadelphia. Malkin noted in September that his decision to play beyond the current season depends on his physical health and how his body feels during the upcoming months.
The Penguins organization, which won Stanley Cup championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017 with Malkin, is currently attempting to transition to a younger roster. While Malkin expressed a continued love for the game and excitement for every shift, he has not yet committed to whether this season will be his final year in professional hockey. The three-time champion remains part of an aging core that includes Crosby and defenseman Kris Letang.
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