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'Frustrated' Malkin Confirms Penguins Have Punted Contract Talks

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk
By Ryan Frost-Garant | Last updated Mar 1, 2026 11:20 AM ET

Longtime Pittsburgh Penguin and three-time Stanley Cup champion Evgeni Malkin is going to have to wait until the offseason to see what the future holds for him in Pittsburgh. Malkin, 39, has had issues staying healthy, dealing with a neck injury this season. Per reports from Pittsburgh Hockey Now, Malkin had this to say following yesterday’s loss to the New York Rangers.

“I don’t know if it’s serious or not, but we talked a little bit with (my agent) J.P. (Barry) a couple of days ago, and he just said wait until the end of the season and see what’s going on, nothing I can say right now. I’m just playing.”

Malkin has been a loyal Pittsburgh Penguin throughout his 20-year NHL career. It was expected that the discussion on his future with Pittsburgh would take place during the Olympic break. It seems this discussion did not occur, and the Penguins’ management has seemingly pushed those talks into the summertime.

Josh Yohe of The Athletic wrote, “I spoke privately with Geno Malkin after he commented that no new deal will be discussed until following the season. You can feel Malkin’s frustration. He badly wants to return next season. Really interesting to see how this will play out.”

He was an integral part of the Penguins teams that won the Stanley Cup in 2009, 2016, and 2017. In addition to that, Malkin was the Conn Smythe winner of the 2009 run. Malkin has performed at his expected pace, potting 46 points (13 goals, 33 assists) through 43 games.

Pittsburgh’s choice not to be proactive in signing Malkin to an extension is unexpected.

Could This Spell The End Of Malkin In Pittsburgh?

It wouldn’t be the first time a player has spent their entire career with one franchise, only for that franchise to decide right near the end to abandon the player. Steven Stamkos, going into the 2024 NHL offseason, seemed like a sure bet to re-sign with Tampa Bay. Then, at the final moment, contract negotiations fell apart, and the former Lightning captain ended up in Nashville on a four-year deal.

Now, hopefully, this isn’t what happens in this situation, as it would feel really weird to see Malkin wear any NHL jersey. Malkin would undoubtedly want to finish his career in Pittsburgh as well. Here’s to hoping that the two sides clear things up and finalize an extension before the 2026 offseason.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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