Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Signals Desire to Keep Evgeni Malkin

The Penguins finished 2025-26 41-25-16 (98 points), earning the 10th seed and a playoff return since 2022. They lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round. Evgeni Malkin posted 61 points (19 G, 42 A) in 56 games, a point-per-game stretch despite missing time with injury, suspension and other ailments.

Bleacher Report

Sidney Crosby (38) and Kris Letang (39) remain under contract, extending a 20-season trio—the longest-tenured unit in major-league history. Their three Stanley Cups and more than 3,900 games define the franchise, yet the 2025-26 season exposed a gap between Pittsburgh and league leaders.

ESPN

GM Kyle Dubas, hired June 2023, leads roster moves. Agent J.P. Barry represents Malkin. The front office evaluated goaltenders Stuart Skinner (UFA) and Arturs Silovs (RFA), plus prospects Joel Blomqvist, Taylor Gauthier and Sergei Murashov. Defenseman Ilya Solovyov and forward Connor Dewar were re-signed.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Malkin posted 61 points (19 G, 42 A) in 56 games, missing 20-26 games due to injury and a five-game suspension. His contract is listed at $6.1 million AAV, though some sources cite $3.8 million. Pittsburgh has $42.7 million in cap space. Re-signed players include Ilya Solovyov (1-yr, $850 k) and Connor Dewar (2-yr, $2.25 M).

Penguins’ Dubas on Malkin: ‘We would love to have him back’

Keeping Malkin preserves a proven scorer at a modest cap figure and maintains the core that returned Pittsburgh to the playoffs. Yet a long-term, high-value deal could restrict flexibility for younger talent and stall the shift toward a faster, contender-ready roster.

Penguins’ Dubas on Malkin: ‘We would love to have him back’

Dubas said the team held a “great exit interview” with Malkin and continues talks with his agent, stressing Malkin’s special status and asserting he does not block younger players’ development. Malkin confirmed his desire to keep playing in the NHL, preferably with Pittsburgh.

Penguins' Kyle Dubas gives Evgeni Malkin update amid uncertainty

Analysts warn that re-signing a 39-year-old at a potentially high cap hit could impede prospects such as forward Ville Koivunen or defenseman Erik Karlsson, who also has a year left. Critics also note the risk of declining production as Malkin ages.

Penguins’ Dubas on Malkin: ‘We would love to have him back’

Sources differ on Malkin’s cap hit—some list $6.1 million AAV, others $3.8 million. Games missed are reported as 26 total or as 20 injury games plus five suspension games. Age is cited as 39 turning 40, though one source notes he is 40 on July 31.

Kyle Dubas drops major update on Evgeni Malkin contract situation

• “We would love to have him back.” — Kyle Dubas, Penguins GM

Penguins 'would love' to bring back Evgeni Malkin, says GM Kyle Dubas

• “I think he’s a special player,” — Kyle Dubas

Kyle Dubas says Pittsburgh Penguins ‘would love’ to have Evgeni Malkin back: ‘That’s as clear as I can be’

• “I want to play in the NHL, for sure” — Evgeni Malkin

ESPN

• “Honestly, it's something that we've probably just gotten used to, but I think they're like family.” — Sidney Crosby

ESPN

The Penguins enter the offseason with $42.7 million in cap space. Negotiations with Malkin’s agent are expected to continue through July, while goaltender contracts and the status of younger forwards will be decided at the upcoming training-camp roster deadline. The outcome will shape Pittsburgh’s path back to contender status.

Bleacher Report