Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Penguins and veteran center Evgeni Malkin are in discussions about a potential one-year contract extension that would keep the 39-year-old in Pittsburgh for the 2026-27 season. Malkin, who was the Penguins’ second overall draft pick in 2004, has played over 1,200 regular-season games for the franchise and helped them win three Stanley Cup championships. Both Malkin and the Penguins are interested in reaching an agreement on a short-term deal to continue his career in Pittsburgh.

Why it matters

Malkin has been a cornerstone of the Penguins’ success over the past two decades, and retaining him would provide stability and veteran leadership as the team aims to make another playoff run. At 39 years old, Malkin is nearing the end of his career, so this contract negotiation represents a pivotal moment for both the player and the franchise.

The details

According to reports, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas and Malkin’s agent, J.P. Barry, plan to meet during the upcoming Olympic break to discuss the possibility of a one-year contract extension. Malkin has made it clear that he wants to continue playing and is open to staying in Pittsburgh, while the Penguins are also interested in retaining the veteran center. The two sides have not yet had formal contract talks, but they are expected to do so in the coming days or weeks.

Malkin was drafted by the Penguins in the 2004 NHL Draft.Malkin made his NHL debut with the Penguins in the 2006-07 season.Malkin is currently in the final year of his contract with the Penguins.The Penguins will return from the Olympic break on February 26, 2026.
The players

Evgeni Malkin

A 39-year-old Russian center who has played his entire NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning three Stanley Cup championships with the team.

Kyle Dubas

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who is responsible for negotiating contract extensions with the team’s players.

J.P. Barry

The agent for Evgeni Malkin, who is representing the player in contract negotiations with the Penguins.

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What they’re saying

“The plan was for Kyle Dubas and J.P. Barry, the agent for Geno Malkin, to sit down over the course of the Olympics and have a conversation and discuss what an extension could possibly look like between the two. What I can tell you is as of today they haven’t had those talks yet but they’re still planning to.”

— David Pagnotta, Journalist (The Fourth Period)

“We know that Geno Malkin wants to play, he wants to keep going, he feels he can, and he’s open to a one-year extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins. I believe the Pens are open to that as well, based on how this season has gone.”

— David Pagnotta, Journalist (The Fourth Period)

What’s next

The Penguins and Evgeni Malkin’s agent are expected to have contract extension discussions during the upcoming Olympic break, with the goal of reaching an agreement on a one-year deal that would keep Malkin in Pittsburgh for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Evgeni Malkin’s potential contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins represents a critical moment for both the player and the franchise. Retaining the veteran center, who has been a cornerstone of the team’s success for nearly two decades, would provide stability and leadership as the Penguins aim to make another deep playoff run.