{"id":426164,"date":"2026-01-24T20:39:14","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T20:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/426164\/"},"modified":"2026-01-24T20:39:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T20:39:14","slug":"sources-malkin-awaits-penguins-decision-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/426164\/","title":{"rendered":"Sources: Malkin Awaits Penguins Decision"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Thursday, Evgeni Malkin<\/a> stole the puck from the game\u2019s best player, Connor McDavid, and went nearly end-to-end for a breakaway goal against the Edmonton Oilers.<\/p>\n

It was merely the latest reminder of greatness in this rejuvenating season for the 39-year-old Malkin, whose four-year contract expires after this season.<\/p>\n

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Following the Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a>\u2018 win over Edmonton, Malkin finally said what he had been hinting at for months. He wants to play one more season.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know (if this is the best I\u2019ve skated in years). I hope you see\u2013it\u2019s not easy, but I do my best,\u201d Malkin said. \u201cI know I want to play one more year.\u201d<\/p>\n

However, sources have since told Pittsburgh Hockey Now that a new contract is not yet on the table. And if any decision has been made by general manager Kyle Dubas, in either direction, it has not yet been shared with Malkin.<\/p>\n

In fact, conversations indicate Malkin\u2019s camp is eagerly awaiting the Penguins\u2019 decision on his future. A source confirmed to PHN that there have not yet been substantive discussions between Malkin and the organization about the future, though PHN believes Malkin\u2019s camp is ready for those to happen.<\/p>\n

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Sources around Malkin further corroborated the player\u2019s statements that he very much wants to continue playing beyond this season. And any questions if Malkin would continue his career elsewhere are on hold until the Penguins make their decision.<\/p>\n

Prior to the season, sources indicated the two sides would feel out the process this season and seek to gain clarity as the NHL season pauses for the 2026 Winter Olympics in February. However, Malkin\u2019s performance\u201339 points (12-27-39) in 35 games\u2013and his obviously renewed skating burst have left little doubt about his ability to keep playing.<\/p>\n

As Malkin returned from a significant shoulder injury on Jan. 8, he has primarily played on the wing, moving from left wing to right beside rookie Ben Kindel, while Egor Chinakhov plays the left side. The move would seem to open more doors and lineup flexibility for next season.<\/p>\n

The decision also seems to be more complicated than merely judging a player\u2019s fitness to continue. This season was to be the start of the Penguins\u2019 transition to a new era, but thus far, the only prospect to remain in the Penguins\u2019 lineup is the 18-year-old Kindel.<\/p>\n

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Thursday, Malkin hinted at the process to get re-signed, too.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to show I\u2019m a good player. I want everybody to see I can play next year. It\u2019s my goal right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The post Sources: Malkin Awaits Penguins Decision<\/a> appeared first on Pittsburgh Hockey Now<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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