The Pittsburgh Penguins started the 2025-26 NHL season with mixed results. And although the campaign is just beginning, there are already rumors about the potential departure of a center.
The Pens have a record of 3-2-0 so far, adding six points after five games, positioning themselves in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division.
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Dan Muse’s team will try to climb positions this Saturday when they face the San Jose Sharks (0-2-2) at the SAP Center.
As the season progresses, rumors have already emerged about possible roster moves by the Penguins, looking ahead to the next offseason.
Evgeni Malkin is one of the names to keep in mind, as he entered the final year of his contract, and several teams are looking for a forward of his profile.
Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at Honda Center.
Panthers, Maple Leafs and Canucks Named as Potential Destinations for Malkin
NHL analyst Scott Maxwell spoke for DailyFaceoff and assured that the Penguins are not likely to re-sign Malkin, 39, after this season.
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“While Evgeni Malkin isn’t nearly as much of an impact player as he used to be, he is still a ‘big name’ and is entering the final year of his contract, with the Pittsburgh Penguins likely not looking to re-sign him after this season,” Maxwell wrote.
He explained that the Russian player feels comfortable playing one last season of “balance” in Pittsburgh, but he also recalled some statements from Malkin that could be a clue to his desire to change teams and win elsewhere.
“While it’s likely he sticks around for the balance of this season with the Pens so his stats sheet can say just one team, Malkin has also commented on the success Brad Marchand had switching teams and winning somewhere else with the Florida Panthers.”
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Precisely, Maxwell cited the Panthers as a possible destination for Malkin, as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks, who would be interested in a center.
“Whether Malkin does so with the Panthers themselves as they look to bandage the hole left by Aleksander Barkov, or with another contender looking for center depth like the Toronto Maple Leafs or Vancouver Canucks, teams will certainly consider acquiring the 39-year-old,” Maxwell said.
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The decision will be the player’s, but just as the cited expert concluded, Malkin will probably try for the last time to win the Stanley Cup before retiring.
The Russian’s current contract with the Pens has a total value of $24.4 million with a cap hit of $6.1 million. His agreement has been in decline over the years, and it will surely be the case if he changes teams in the next offseason.
Related: Penguins, Blue Jackets Floated as Candidates for In-Season Maple Leafs Trade
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.