2025-26 will be Evgeni Malkin’s last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to Josh Yohe of The Athletic.
Malkin may play for another franchise, but it appears that his historic run in Pittsburgh is coming to a close.
The other members of the Penguins’ Big Three, Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, are also nearing the end of their playing days as this legendary stretch is just about over.
Malkin, 38, went second overall in the 2004 Draft and has accumulated a Hall of Fame career in Pittsburgh. His 514 goals, 832 assists, three Stanley Cups, two Art Ross trophies, the 2011-12 Hart trophy, the 2006-07 Calder trophy, and the 2009 Conn Smythe make him one of the best not only sidekicks, but players in NHL history.
Even in his 19th season, he was still an effective scorer with 16 goals and 34 assists over 68 games. However, Father Time remains undefeated, and Malkin is no longer the electrifying forward that helped make the Penguins a league-wide staple for nearly two decades.
Pittsburgh also finds itself in the awkward position of needing a rebuild but not willing to blow it up entirely with Crosby, Malkin, and Letang still around. Crosby is such a ruthless competitor that he may actually think he can lead this team on another Cup run.
Malkin would need to play a big role in pulling off that miracle, a fun idea for Penguins fans, but one oversaturated with nostalgia.
Pittsburgh could consider dealing Malkin or his buddies to a contender for one last shot at the Cup. It would be a difficult pill to swallow, but perhaps the best move for each party.
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