The Door Closes, But the Legacy Remains: Malkin’s Final Act

This offseason, one of the key storylines surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins has been the future of Russian superstar Evgeni Malkin. With his four-year extension, signed in 2022 and set to expire after the 2025–26 season, it appears Malkin's legendary run in Pittsburgh may be coming to a close. General Manager Kyle Dubas has hinted that the team does not plan to extend Malkin beyond this upcoming year.

Drafted second overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, Malkin quickly rose to stardom alongside Sidney Crosby. He exploded for 85 points in his rookie campaign, earning the Calder Trophy, and followed it up with 106 and 113 point seasons. In that stretch, he captured his first Stanley Cup.

Over the course of his career, Malkin has tallied 514 goals and 1,346 points in 1,213 games. A three-time Stanley Cup champion and former Hart Trophy winner, he will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest players in franchise history and a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

As his time in Pittsburgh winds down, the biggest question becomes: what’s next for Malkin? Will he return to Russia to finish his career in the KHL, or seek one final NHL contract with another team?

No matter what lies ahead, Malkin’s place in Penguins history is secure. His legacy is one of brilliance, loyalty, and championship pedigree, and his departure will mark the end of an unforgettable era in Pittsburgh hockey.