Evgeni Malkin Wants to Stay in Pittsburgh - But Will the Penguins Keep Him?
As the NHL season rolls into its second half, the Pittsburgh Penguins are facing a familiar but complicated question: what does the future hold for Evgeni Malkin?
Back in June, reports surfaced that the Penguins weren’t particularly keen on extending Malkin’s contract beyond the 2025-26 season. Now, with the Olympic break approaching, General Manager Kyle Dubas is set to sit down with Malkin for a pivotal conversation about what comes next. The meeting is still on the books, and it could shape the next chapter of Malkin’s storied career in Pittsburgh.
Here’s where things stand: Malkin wants to stay. He’s reportedly open to signing a one-year extension, even willing to take a pay cut to keep wearing the black and gold. And it’s not just about loyalty - he’s made it clear he has no interest in playing elsewhere, regardless of whether it’s with a playoff contender.
That sentiment carries weight, especially considering the way Malkin has played this season. He’s turned back the clock with 10 goals and 35 points in 33 games - already just 15 points shy of his total from all of last year.
He’s looked energized, engaged, and, most importantly, effective. And while many expected the Penguins to be on the outside looking in this year, they’ve clawed their way into a divisional playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.
Malkin’s resurgence has been a big part of that.
But this isn’t a simple feel-good story. The Penguins are still navigating a tricky balance between honoring their aging core and building a sustainable future.
Malkin, now in his late 30s, has battled injuries over the past two seasons, and that history can’t be ignored when thinking about allocating cap space. The front office has already shown a willingness to move on from veterans - just look at the recent trade of goaltender Tristan Jarry.
That move sent a clear message: the Penguins are staying competitive, but they’re not afraid to make tough calls along the way.
So while Malkin wants to stay - and is still producing at a high level - the question becomes whether the Penguins believe keeping him around is the best move for the franchise’s long-term vision. That answer may come soon, as his meeting with Dubas during the Olympic break will likely provide clarity on both sides.
Eastern Conference Notes: Tanev’s Uncertain Status, Hurricanes Lose Robinson, and Lightning Lock in Long-Term Arena Deal
Toronto Maple Leafs and Chris Tanev Still in Wait-and-See Mode
Defenseman Chris Tanev remains in limbo as the Maple Leafs continue to monitor his groin injury. A few weeks back, there was talk about the possibility of surgery, but nothing has changed since then. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Tanev hasn’t gone under the knife and emphasized that the hesitation is coming from the player, not the team.
“He’s still working through things,” Berube said. “He hasn’t got surgery yet.
We’re still working through things.” It’s a delicate situation for a Leafs blue line that could use Tanev’s defensive presence, especially as the playoff race tightens in the Atlantic Division.
Hurricanes Lose Forward Eric Robinson to Upper-Body Injury
Carolina is bracing for a significant absence in their bottom six. Forward Eric Robinson is expected to miss extended time with an upper-body injury. He was spotted at the rink wearing a sling, and all signs point to the Hurricanes placing the nine-year veteran on injured reserve.
Robinson’s been a steady presence in the Canes’ depth lines, and his absence will test Carolina’s forward depth as they try to maintain their playoff positioning in a crowded Eastern Conference field.
Tampa Bay Lightning Commit to Long-Term Future in Benchmark International Arena
The Lightning aren’t going anywhere - literally. The franchise has signed a six-year lease extension with Benchmark International Arena, keeping the team in its current home through the 2042-43 NHL season. As part of the agreement, Hillsborough County will kick in $250 million for arena renovations, while the team will contribute $75 million.
It’s a major commitment to the city and the fans, signaling that the Lightning plan to remain a fixture in Tampa for the long haul. With a strong core and a loyal fanbase, the franchise continues to solidify its place both on and off the ice.
The Eastern Conference is full of moving parts right now - from veterans like Malkin fighting to extend their legacy, to contenders managing injuries, to franchises locking in their future. As the Olympic break nears, expect more clarity, more movement, and plenty of storylines to follow as the playoff picture comes into focus.