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Malkin Faces 60/40 Extension Odds, Eyes Penguins or New Team

5/2/2026

31 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Malkin Weighs Options

Evgeni Malkin, a free agent after the 2025-26 season turning 40 in 2026-27, said he wants a year with Pittsburgh Penguins or to sign elsewhere.
GM Kyle Dubas wants a younger team because veterans are declining while Kris Letang spoke in the past tense about Malkin’s future.
Analysts gave walk-away versus extension odds a 60/40 split after he listed the Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning and Minnesota Wild.

Summary

Malkin Secures Cap

The Penguins project $45 million in cap space for 2026-27, covering Evgeni Malkin’s $6.1 million AAV.
Evgeni Malkin posted 61 points (19 goals, 42 assists) in 56 games, his best pace since 2019-20.
Tyler Kennedy said Evgeni Malkin’s friendship with Alex Ovechkin links him to the Capitals, prompting him to consider a salary cut to stay in Pittsburgh despite a thin AHL pool.

Summary

York Wins OT

Cam York scored the overtime winner in Game 6, ending the Penguins' playoff run.
Evgeni Malkin said he would consider playing for another team if Pittsburgh does not re-sign him.
Sidney Crosby called his linemates “family” and said Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang are the first three players to share 20 NHL seasons together.
Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust said they cannot imagine the NHL without Evgeni Malkin, affirming his return.

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Malkin Weighs Options

Evgeni Malkin, a free agent after the 2025-26 season turning 40 in 2026-27, said he wants a year with Pittsburgh Penguins or to sign elsewhere.
GM Kyle Dubas wants a younger team because veterans are declining while Kris Letang spoke in the past tense about Malkin’s future.
Analysts gave walk-away versus extension odds a 60/40 split after he listed the Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning and Minnesota Wild.

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