Evgeni Malkin returns for 21st Penguins season unsure future

NHL Evgeni Malkin returns for 21st Penguins season unsure future

By Ben Gale

September 21, 2026 • 6:03 AM EDT

Updated 2 hours ago

Evgeni Malkin returns for 21st Penguins season unsure future

Evgeni Malkin has laced up for his 21st season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the one thing that’s crystal clear is he’s still got the fire for hockey. He’s 40 now, but you wouldn’t know it by watching his intensity or listening to him talk about the game. When someone asked if this year could be his last, Malkin dodged with some classic honesty: his body will decide, and he’ll walk away the second he feels he can’t help the team win.

“If I not feel hundred percent, I’m not playing,” Malkin said Friday, straight-shooting like only he can. He’s not playing for a farewell tour, either. For him, it’s all about making an impact. If he ever feels he’s not helping Pittsburgh, he’ll call it a career right there. That’s the standard he’s set for himself. According to Yahoo Sports, Malkin’s attitude keeps everything on edge—the Penguins love his leadership but know nothing is promised past this year.

If you’re looking for signs of decline, you won’t find them in the numbers. Malkin put up 19 goals and 42 assists last season, averaging a point per game for the first time since 2019-20, even with a few injuries slowing him down. He had something to prove after a tough playoff exit and that fire led right back to negotiations for a one-year deal. General manager Kyle Dubas kept his cards close, but ultimately saw what everyone did—Malkin still helps this team win.

That contract keeps together one of the longest-running combos in modern sports: Malkin, Sidney Crosby, and Kris Letang. This trio has spent 21 years side by side, longer than any other trio in North American major pro sports. But Malkin’s clear they’re not coasting on nostalgia. “It’s not we’re just here because we win three Cups, you know,” he said. “I hope we’re here because we still play good.” That’s not just talk—the production speaks for itself.

What’s different this year for the Penguins?

Pittsburgh decided to run it back with most of last season’s core. They finished just behind Carolina in the Metropolitan Division, which was a surprise to a lot of people. There’s stability up and down the lineup, including Russian forward Egor Chinakhov, who hit a new level after being dealt from Columbus—one of four Russians on the roster.

Malkin’s now the elder statesman, taking on the same mentor role Sergei Gonchar once had for him. He’s enjoying nights out, advice sessions, and just being the experienced guy that young players can lean on. Every contending NHL team needs that veteran presence—the Penguins have it in spades.

Key developments for Malkin’s 21st season

Malkin signed a one-year deal after weeks of tense talks, keeping the trio intact for a record 21 seasons.
He’s only 14 points away from the NHL’s top 20 career points list, chasing Hall of Famer Adam Oates.
Pittsburgh’s roster stability signals trust in returning leaders, not just reliance on the past.
Malkin embraces his status as a mentor, especially to fellow Russians, shaping the next team generation.

Chasing records and legacy

There’s more than pride on the line this year. Malkin starts the season with 1,407 career points and is close to passing Adam Oates for a spot in the NHL’s top 20. He’s got three Stanley Cups, two scoring titles, and an MVP. The Hall of Fame seems inevitable, but that’s not what pushes him. He’s always been the emotional ‘yin’ to Crosby’s ‘yang’—the passion to Crosby’s calm. If he ever leaves, sure, his face could be the franchise somewhere else, but he’s at peace with what’s made Pittsburgh special.

If this is it, it’s been a heck of a run. But don’t expect Malkin to tune out yet. He finished last season strong and says, “I’m here to win.” Focus, not farewell, is the theme for now.

The bottom line for bettors

Malkin’s output and leadership look strong heading into 2026, with no obvious drop-off.
Pittsburgh’s keeping faith in the trio’s on-ice value, not just sentimentality—expect heavy minutes.
Watch Malkin’s point totals early; chasing an all-time great like Oates could be a motivator.
His mentorship role with new-and-young Russians could further stabilize the team’s depth scoring.
If you’re betting on the Penguins, trust that Malkin’s still in it for wins, not a retirement parade.
Short-term contracts and honest health talk mean his status could change quickly—stay tuned to injury updates.
As long as his body holds up, expect stats and spirit. If he feels he can’t deliver, he’ll walk away fast.

More coverage: NHL news coverage, our NHL betting analysis and today’s NHL picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Malkin is beginning his 21st season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, making him one of the franchise’s longest-tenured players.

Malkin hasn’t committed either way. He says he’ll only stay if he can still perform and help the team win. He’s keeping his future open.

Malkin starts the season with 1,407 career points, leaving him just 14 points shy of breaking into the NHL’s top 20 all-time scorers.

Malkin, Sidney Crosby, and Kris Letang have played together for 21 consecutive seasons—the longest such run for any trio in major North American pro sports.

Yes, after some tense negotiations following Pittsburgh’s playoff exit, Malkin agreed to a one-year deal to return for the 2026 season.

Besides being a proven top-line contributor, Malkin is also taking on a mentorship role, especially for younger Russian players joining the team.

Despite battling injuries, Malkin scored 19 goals and 42 assists, averaging more than a point per game for the first time since 2019-20.