Apr 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) skates up ice with the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Apr 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) skates up ice with the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has shared an important update that gives fans new hope about the future of Evgeni Malkin. The team is still going through a transition phase, but Crosby’s comments suggest that the two longtime teammates may stay together for now.
During a conversation with Penguins reporter Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Sidney said the contract talks between Malkin and the Penguins are in a good place.
“I’ve just always expected to be playing with him,” Crosby said about Malkin. “I don’t know. After talking with everyone at the end of the year, it felt like it was in a good place in terms of getting something done.”
Crosby clearly expressed strong admiration for Malkin. He highlighted Malkin’s long-term importance to the Penguins and his two-decade impact on the franchise.
Apr 22, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) skates off the ice after loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Apr 22, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) skates off the ice after loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
“I think everybody knows how I feel about Geno at this point,” Crosby added. “I think everybody knows what he means to our team, what he’s done for the organization for 20 years. It goes without saying.”
Malkin will turn 40 this July and has faced several injuries in recent seasons. His performance is also not at the same elite level as his prime years. These factors complicate the team's effort to balance immediate competitiveness with a necessary youth movement.
Malkin will be a free agent this offseason. This season, he played 56 games and scored 61 points, including 19 goals. In six playoff games, he scored 2 goals and had an assist in the series.
Penguins Management Eyeing Evgeni Malkin Return
The Pittsburgh Penguins' leadership also wants to keep Evgeni Malkin. Team’s general manager Kyle Dubas said at his end-of-season press conference that he “would love to have” Malkin back for at least one more season.
But there is still no final deal. No agreement has been signed yet, and talks are still going on.
Sidney Crosby also said he is open to giving his opinion about Evgeni Malkin if the team asks him. But he also made it clear that the Pittsburgh Penguins management will make the final decision.
“I’m a player,” Crosby said. “If Kyle (Penguins GM) asks me for my opinion, I’ll share it. I’m comfortable with that. But I’m definitely not trying to pick our roster.”
Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang have built a strong bond that has become a major story in modern NHL history. The trio is now the longest-serving group of teammates in North American sports, which strengthens their legacy in Pittsburgh.
Fans also want to see these three players continue playing together for some more time. But this will depend on whether Evgeni Malkin re-signs with the Pittsburgh Penguins or not.
Read more at the NHL Fan Central
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Rudra Dubey