Malkin Signs 1-Year, $5.5M Deal to Stay with Penguins for 21st Season

Evgeni Malkin has committed to the Pittsburgh Penguins for another season, signing a one-year, $5.5 million contract on Tuesday. The 39-year-old forward will remain with the team that drafted him in 2004 and will play his 21st season in Pittsburgh, a city where he has built a legacy as one of the franchise's greatest players.

Malkin had 61 points (19 goals, 42 assists) in 56 regular-season games this year and added three points (two goals, one assist) in six playoff contests. His production this season proved that he can still contribute at a high level despite entering his 40th year on July 31.

“Best city, best fans, I stay one more year,” Malkin said in a video posted by the Penguins on their website.

Malkin ranks third in team history in points with 1,407 (533 goals, 874 assists), trailing only Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux. He has also played in 1,269 games, the second-most in Penguins history behind Crosby.

General manager Kyle Dubas praised Malkin’s on-ice performance and off-ice leadership. “Evgeni’s on-ice performance continually showed that he is able to produce at a great level and help the Penguins take strides,” Dubas said. “Off the ice, he showed tremendous leadership in helping our young Russian and Russian-speaking players adapt to our program and our city.”

Malkin has played in 183 playoff games and has three Stanley Cup championships with Pittsburgh (2009, 2016, 2017). He has also won the Art Ross Trophy twice, the Hart Trophy once, and the Conn Smythe Trophy once, among other major honors.

“I mean, I want to play (in the) NHL for sure,” Malkin said in May. “But again, I know it’s not easy for Kyle; maybe he wants new blood here. I understand it’s business, and I understand he wants maybe (a) new team, see new faces here. But for me, I want to play one more year in the NHL.”

Dubas confirmed that discussions with Malkin and his team were open and productive. “The result of that process is Evgeni returning to the Penguins for his 21st season with the club,” Dubas said. “We look forward to Geno continuing to provide great moments for the city of Pittsburgh, while helping us return the Penguins to Stanley Cup contention.”

The Penguins will benefit from Malkin's experience and leadership as they continue to build toward another playoff run. With the new season set to begin in October, the focus now shifts to how Malkin and the Penguins will perform in 2026-27.