Evgeni Malkin made a triumphant return for the Pittsburgh Penguins after serving a five-game suspension for a dangerous slash. Facing off against the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche, Malkin delivered a standout performance, scoring twice and adding an assist in a commanding 7-2 victory. This game not only showcased his enduring talent but also sparked conversations about his future with the team.
Malkin, who is approaching his 40th birthday this summer, is in the final year of his contract. After the game, he shared insights from recent discussions with Penguins' president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas.
"We talked probably two weeks ago," Malkin said. "He told me we would talk this summer.
I’m OK with that. We have 15 games left - I hope playoffs.
I want to just play."
The dynamic between Malkin and superstar captain Sidney Crosby is crucial for the Penguins. Crosby, under contract through the 2026-27 season, likely wants Malkin by his side for at least another year. However, Dubas has shown interest in a youth movement, adding a layer of complexity to Malkin's future with the team.
As of Monday, the Penguins hold the second playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division with a 34-18-15 record. Malkin ranks fourth on the team with 50 points and is tied for sixth with 15 goals, according to ESPN stats.
His performance suggests he can still be a valuable asset for another season, but Dubas might offer only a team-friendly one-year deal. How Malkin's team will respond to such an offer remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, the Penguins are eagerly anticipating the return of Sidney Crosby, who has been sidelined with a lower-body injury since the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. Crosby, despite missing 11 games, still leads the team with 59 points and 27 goals. His return could come as soon as Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes or Saturday against the Winnipeg Jets, providing a much-needed boost for the Penguins as they push towards the playoffs.