Back in 2004, the Pittsburgh Penguins used the No. 2 overall selection on Evgeni Malkin, and a year later, they landed Sidney Crosby at No. 1 overall, giving them a duo that would lead them to success for two straight decades.
However, both are getting up there in age, with Malkin being 39-years-old following the 2025-26 season, many around the league were discussing a potential retirement for the Russian star. Despite the age and the speculation, Malkin was once again over a point-per-game in 2025-26, posting 19 goals and 61 points in 56 games played, showing that he can still get it done at a very high level as the Penguins returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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Now, Malkin has made his future official, as it was announced on Tuesday that he has signed a one-year deal to return to the only NHL franchise he's known over the past 20 seasons.
Given what he's meant to the Penguins over those two decades, it's no surprise that Malkin did not want to play for another NHL franchise, and after their return to the post-season, he potentially sees them contending in what may be his final season in the National Hockey League. According to TSN's Chris Johnston, the deal is very bonus heavy, with $5.5 million guaranteed before he can earn a potential $3 million+ more for reaching incentives.
Over his career in Pittsburgh, Malkin has won three Stanley Cups, a Hart Trophy and has over 1,400 points, and now, he'll have one last chance to win another Cup with the Penguins before he says farewell as a true icon of the franchise.
