Penguins' Evgeni Malkin hints he could make big trade-deadline decision

Pittsburgh Penguins icon Evgeni Malkin is in the final year of his contract, which includes a no-movement clause. The three-time Stanley Cup champion recently acknowledged that he likely won't receive an extension from his longtime club amid a painful roster rebuild. 

While speaking at Penguins’ training camp on Friday, Malkin indicated he could follow in the footsteps of Brad Marchand. The 37-year-old became arguably the best trade deadline acquisition in NHL history en route to helping the Florida Panthers repeat as Stanley Cup champions in 2025.

Evgeni Malkin could have "hard" trade-deadline decision

"It’s hard," Malkin admitted about possibly waiving his no-trade clause if a contender wanted to land his services for a postseason run, per The Athletic's Josh Yohe. "Again, we see a story like Brad Marchand. 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." 

It's unclear how much Marchand, 39, has left in the tank after he tallied 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games last season. That said, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby pointed out this week that "the expectations from the outside are pretty low" regarding what Pittsburgh will achieve in 2025-26. 

DraftKings Sportsbook has the Penguins at +600 betting odds to make the playoffs this season. 

"If this is my last year, I’ve had 20 years," Malkin said on Friday. "That’s not too bad, too. I’m glad to be a Penguin, win three Stanley Cups here." 

Evgeni Malkin reveals wish for how his career will end

In October 2023, Malkin, Crosby and defenseman Kris Letang became the longest-tenured trio of teammates in North American professional sports history. Malkin suggested he'd like to finish his career with the three of them in Pittsburgh. 

"I hope I stay here," Malkin added. "Like Sid, Tanger, Penguins forever, for sure. I hope we play great. I want to stay here, for sure." 

It remains to be seen what Malkin, Letang and Crosby will decide to do if the Penguins flop this year.