Agent: Malkin has '50-50' chance of re-signing with Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Agent says Evgeni Malkin has '50-50' chance of re-signing with Penguins

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Jun 29, 2022 9:31 PM ET

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin will become an unrestricted free agent when the market officially opens on July 13.

According to J.P. Barry, Malkin's agent, the three-time Stanley Cup Champion has a "50-50" chance of re-signing with Pittsburgh.

Barry on UFA Evgeny Malkin : They have a lot of players to sign and are up against the cap. Right now it is
50-50.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) June 29, 2022

A guest Wednesday on Donnie & Dhali, Barry said that while the two sides are still negotiating, reaching a deal could be difficult.

"It's pretty clear they're squeezed up against the cap," Barry said. "I don't know; right now, it seems like a 50-50 situation. It's hard to gauge."

Malkin, who will be 36 next season, played in 41 games for the Penguins last season, posting 20 goals and 22 assists for 42 points.

A four-time all-star and two-time Art Ross Trophy winner, Malkin has spent his 16-year career with Pittsburgh.

The Penguins drafted Malkin with the No. 2 overall pick in 2004, just after the Washington Capitals selected future Hall of Famer Alexander Ovechkin.

Malkin ranks third all-time in Penguins history in goals (444), assists (702), and points (1,146).

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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