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Penguins' Evgeni Malkin Mentions Brad Marchand Trade While Addressing Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 20, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Evgeni Malkin opened his 20th training camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins, knowing it could also be his last.

The 39-year-old center is entering the final year of his four-year, $24.4 million contract, and while extension talks aren't planned before midseason, according to Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas, Malkin's future will be one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team this season.

Malkin admitted his production has slipped in recent years, and he acknowledged that the organization, under Dubas, is focused on youth and refreshing the roster, aiming at future contention.

That reality has fueled speculation about whether Malkin could be traded if the Penguins fall out of contention before the trade deadline, trying to get something in exchange for the veteran instead of losing him for nothing next summer if he decides to retire.

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

When asked about the possibility of being traded, Malkin referenced a recent example that grabbed the attention of the league and became one of the best trade-deadline moves in NHL history.

“Again, we see a story like Brad Marchand,” Malkin said. “Looking good. Team trades you, you win the Cup. It’s a little weird, too. Of course, everybody wants to make the playoffs, maybe make one more run at the Cup. Great story. But I don’t know how I would feel if the team wants to trade me.”

The Boston Bruins traded captain Marchand at the deadline after he spent 15 seasons with the franchise. Once he joined the Florida Panthers, Machand went on to win the Stanley Cup with them just a few months later, the second title in a row for the Panthers.

For Malkin, the scenario would bring both the risk and the allure of a late-career move, perhaps fostering a title run following his impressive resume with the Penguins.

“If it’s my last year, I’ve had 20 years,” Malkin said. “That’s not too bad, too. I’m glad to be a Penguin, win three Stanley Cups here.”

Malkin will start the season alongside longtime teammates Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, but the looming question is whether he will finish it in Pittsburgh.

“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.

With his no-move clause in place, the choice could ultimately be his — to stay with the only franchise he has ever known, or to follow a path like Marchand’s in search of one more Cup.

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

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