Evgeni Malkin is officially returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 2026-27 NHL season after signing a one-year contract extension price $5.5 million annually. The deal signifies that Malkin will stick with the Penguins for at the least a twenty first season, with the contract also reportedly including $3.5 million in bonuses and a no-movement clause.
Malkin and Sidney Crosby at the moment are each under contract through 2026-27. The previous even joked that he desired to add one other ‘zero’ on his contract before signing it, per a post on X by the Penguins.
“Best city, best fans, I stay yet one more 12 months… bingo. Best day in my life, yeah!” he said within the clip.
After becoming a free agent following the completion of his four-year contract signed before the 2022-23 season, retirement was reportedly not into consideration. The veteran center had focused on reaching a brand new agreement with Pittsburgh and made clear after the Penguins’ playoff exit that he desired to return, though he indicated he would consider one other organization if Pittsburgh didn’t make a proposal.
The Penguins are bringing back a player who stays productive despite now being almost 40 years old. Malkin produced 61 points through 56 games with 19 goals and 42 assists within the 2025-26 campaign despite transitioning to the wing.
He also recorded three points in six playoff games before Pittsburgh exited within the opening round. Drafted second overall by Pittsburgh in 2004, Malkin debuted in 2006 and has spent 20 NHL seasons with the Penguins.
Across 1,269 profession regular-season games, he has produced 533 goals and 874 assists for 1,407 points. He ranks second in franchise history in games played, second in game-winning goals (89), second in time beyond regulation goals (14), third in goals, third in assists, third in total points and third in power-play goals with 187.
Since entering the NHL in 2006-07, he ranks fourth league-wide in goals and third in assists and points, and has recorded at the least a degree per game in 16 of his 20 NHL seasons, something only 4 players in NHL history have done before.
Evgeni Malkin is officially returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 2026-27 NHL season after signing a one-year contract extension price $5. 5 million annually. The deal signifies that Malkin will stick with the Penguins for at the least a twenty first season, with the contract also reportedly including $3. 5 million in bonuses and a no-movement clause.