{"id":154033,"date":"2025-08-09T21:50:12","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T21:50:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/154033\/"},"modified":"2025-08-09T21:50:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T21:50:12","slug":"a-farewell-season-for-a-pittsburgh-penguins-icon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/154033\/","title":{"rendered":"A Farewell Season for a Pittsburgh Penguins Icon"},"content":{"rendered":"

Time for a new NHL rumours report. As the NHL awaits some key restricted free agent signings, the Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> have questions regarding a franchise icon. Evgeni Malkin<\/a>, who is 39 years old, is set for an unofficial farewell tour<\/a> this season, according to Josh Yohe of the Athletic.<\/p>\n

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.<\/p>\n

NHL Rumours
\nA Possible Farewell to Pittsburgh Penguins Icon<\/p>\n

Josh Yohe: Even though it\u2019s not official, this is Evgeni Malkin<\/a>\u2018s farewell tour \u2013 Athletic Hockey Show (8\/6)<\/p>\n

\u2014 NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) August 6, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Malkin has played in Pittsburgh<\/a> for 19 straight years, first donning the black and gold in the 2006-07 season. Drafted second overall in 2004, Malkin has been a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Penguins throughout his entire career. Alongside Sidney Crosby<\/a> and Kris Letang<\/a>, Malkin formed the backbone of Pittsburgh\u2019s roster. Together, they\u2019ve won the Stanley Cup three times. From a Calder Trophy to a Conn Smythe, Malkin has left a lasting mark on the Penguins.<\/p>\n

Malkin\u2019s Legacy in Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Since arriving in North America for the 2006-07 season, Malkin has been a game-breaking presence for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He got off to a fantastic start, scoring 33 goals and 85 points in his rookie campaign. After earning the Calder Trophy, he followed it up with 106 points in his second season. Just a few short years later, Malkin played a pivotal role in leading the Penguins to their second straight Cup Finals and first Stanley Cup since 1992. Through 24 playoff games, Malkin scored 14 goals and 36 points to capture the Conn Smythe Trophy.<\/p>\n

Malkin\u2019s Penguins career includes a Hart Trophy and two Art Ross<\/a> titles. He has also been selected to multiple All-Star Games. He sits in the top-three in franchise goals, assists, and points, behind two of the sports best in Mario Lemieux<\/a> and Sidney Crosby<\/a>. Malkin\u2019s chemistry with Crosby, Letang, and other Penguins stars throughout the years helped fuel one of the NHL\u2019s greatest core groups, being the first to win back-to-back Stanley Cups in the salary cap era.<\/p>\n

A Look Ahead<\/p>\n

Although Malkin hasn\u2019t officially declared this as his final year, Yohe reports that the Penguins don\u2019t expect to extend him beyond this season. This has turned into the common sentiment around the league. Fans and insiders alike are unsure if Malkin will retire or return to play a year in Russia. Either way, this season is shaping up to be Malkin\u2019s last in the black and gold. If that\u2019s the case, the 2025-26 season will quickly become a celebration to a name worthy of a spot on the Penguins all-time lineup.<\/p>\n

There are several key dates this season that hold meaning to Malkin, the Penguins, or the fans this upcoming season. Pittsburgh will play their long-time rivals, the Washington Capitals,<\/a> three times this season. Malkin has spent two decades alongside Crosby competing against the NHL\u2019s leading goal scorer<\/a> in Alex Ovechkin<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Malkin and Ovechkin have been great rivals and mellowed into good friends. Rumours suggest this may be Ovechkin\u2019s final NHL season, making each matchup between the clubs especially emotional. The Penguins and the Capitals play each other three times this season. The final meeting being on April 12, 2026, just as the regular season is coming to an end. Expect that game to be a commemoration of both the careers of Malkin and Ovechkin and their legacies as rivals and two of the best to play the game of hockey in the last 20 years.<\/p>\n

What It Means<\/p>\n

As the curtain begins to close on Malkin\u2019s illustrious career, this season offers fans a final chance to appreciate everything he\u2019s brought to the city of Pittsburgh. From game-breaking goals to unforgettable moments, his impact on the franchise and the league is undeniable. Whether the season ends in a playoff run or a last-place finish, the 2025-26 season will be remembered as the last ride in Pittsburgh for a franchise icon.<\/p>\n

Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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