Evgeni Malkin has agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team announced on May 26. The deal carries an average annual value of $5.5 million and will keep Malkin with the club for his 21st season.
Malkin entered the 2025-26 season in the final year of his four-year contract signed in 2022, focusing on playing his best and hoping to remain with what he called his second home. “I hope I stay here like Sid and Tanger, and be Penguins forever, for sure,” Malkin said during training camp. After Pittsburgh returned to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in four years, he added, “Now I want more, you know?”
Team President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas said that both sides had open discussions about Malkin’s future role and expectations before reaching an agreement. “Last season, Evgeni’s on-ice performance continually showed that he is able to produce at a great level and help the Penguins take strides. Off the ice, he showed tremendous leadership in helping our young Russian and Russian-speaking players adapt to our program and our city,” Dubas said. He continued: “The result of that process is Evgeni returning to the Penguins for his 21st season with the club. We look forward to Geno continuing to provide great moments for the city of Pittsburgh, while helping us return the Penguins to Stanley Cup contention through his play on the ice and his leadership off the ice.”
Longtime teammate Bryan Rust described Malkin as “one of the best players ever,” citing individual awards and Stanley Cups won throughout his career. Erik Karlsson also praised him: “He’s done everything in his power to prove to everybody and himself that he’s still a capable player… He’s an incredible individual, personally and professionally.” Last season at age 39, Malkin recorded 19 goals and 61 points in just 56 games despite missing time due to injuries and suspension.
Malkin’s leadership extended beyond performance statistics; young Russian-speaking teammates Arturs Silovs, Ilya Solovyov, and Egor Chinakhov credited him for support both on-ice and off it. Chinakhov said: “He’s a really good teammate,” while Solovyov added, “He just takes care of us.” The fanbase has shown unwavering support since Malkin joined Pittsburgh after being drafted second overall in 2004.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have notable figures including Hall of Fame players as well as strong community ties; they host their home games at PPG Paints Arena downtown under ownership by Fenway Sports Group, according to the official website.
