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Evgeni Malkin Breaks Silence on Possible Last Season With Penguins

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Pittsburgh Penguins veteran Evgeni Malkin opened training camp Friday knowing the stakes of the year ahead. At 39, the Penguins center is entering the final year of his contract and facing the decision of whether to retire or extend his Hall of Fame career at the end of the season.

Malkin talked to reporters from the Pens camp at Cranberry Township, and he was quick to stop questions about his future before they could even arrive at his table.

“I know, too,” Malkin said, cutting off a question about his future. “Trust me.”

Malkin has one year left on his four-year, $24.4 million contract, one he signed back in July 2022 and that carries an annual $6.1 million cap hit. He has spent his whole career in Pittsburgh since the franchise drafted him with the No. 2 pick of the 2004 NHL Draft.

Geno Malkin just spoke. Ultimately said he wants to stay here. This could be his last year, but would entertain one more year. Also said he's thought about Brad Marchand winning a Cup in Florida, and said no-movement clause could conceivably be waived. Article to come.
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) September 19, 2025

Malkin's production has declined steadily for the past two years, with the Russian going from scoring 83 points in 2023 to 67 two years ago and just 50 (missing 14 games) last season. He admitted to being disappointed with his declining play and said he wants to use this year to prove himself again.

“I’m not happy with how I played the last couple of years,” Malkin said. “If it’s my last year here, I want to show everything.”

The Russian forward, beginning his 20th NHL season, said his decision on what's next will depend on how both he and the Penguins perform during his contract year.

“It depends on how the season is going,” Malkin said. “If we play great, and I play great, and I feel confident and show my game — why not one more year? The season is huge for me, my team, myself.

“I’m still hungry.”

Penguins eneral manager Kyle Dubas has not discussed an extension with Malkin but said last June that the two would revisit his future later in the season.

“I talked to Geno at the end of the year, after the year. I get it, it’s the last year of his contract, and it’s been a topic of discussion. We’ll meet at the Olympic break this year and see where Geno’s at, and meet at the end of the year.”

If this is the end for Malking, the Penguins icon said he has no regrets with how his career has developed over the last two decades.

“If this is my last year, I’ve had 20 years,” Malkin said. “I’m glad to be a Penguin, win three Stanley Cups here.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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