Evgeni Malkin addressed his contract situation, confirming early discussions with the Pittsburgh Penguins general manager, Kyle Dubas, while keeping his focus on the ice.

Malkin is in the final year of his four-year deal, which is paying him $6.1 million annually. He will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025-26 NHL season if an extension is not signed with the Penguins.

The veteran center has said he spoke with Dubas recently, who agreed to revisit talks in the offseason.

“I can’t say anything. We (he and Dubas) talked probably two weeks ago,” Malkin said, via The Athletic’s Josh Yohe. “He told me we would talk this summer. I’m OK with that. We have 15 games left, I hope [to make it to the] playoffs. I want to just play.”

Oct 21, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) takes the ice to play the Vancouver Canucks at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Malkin is comfortable with Dubas’ timeline and wants to concentrate on the final stretch of the season.

The 39-year-old made it clear he intends to continue playing, and has said he wants to return next season and even hinted at playing beyond that. Dubas reportedly reassured him that discussions would resume after the campaign.

“He [Dubas] asked if I wanted to play next year,” Malkin said. “I said “yes.” He said, “Don’t worry, we talk after the season.” I’m OK (with that). I feel great. I want to play next year, too. Maybe two years. Who knows? Again, it’s just business.”

Geno on his contract situation: “I can’t say anything. We (Malkin and Dubas) talked probably two weeks ago. He told me we would talk this summer. I’m OK with that. We have 15 games left, I hope playoffs. I want to just play. He asked if I wanted to play next year. I said yes. He…

— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) March 17, 2026

Despite his age, Malkin remains a key piece in Pittsburgh’s lineup, especially in captain Sidney Crosby’s absence.

Malkin spoke about his contract following a solid performance on Monday

Malkin showed his skills again in Monday’s 7-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche, scoring two even-strength goals and adding a power-play assist. He returned from a five-game suspension, and it was his first game back. Overall, this season, he has 15 goals and 35 assists for 50 points, and that too with a plus-14 rating, showing his elite talent.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are pushing for the playoffs with a 34-18-15 record, sitting second in the Metropolitan Division. With 15 games left, Malkin’s priority is helping the team reach the postseason.

For now, contract talks remain on hold. Both sides appear willing to wait, as Malkin focuses on performance and Pittsburgh eyes a playoff berth.

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