Story by
Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin signs one-year deal to stay in Pittsburgh for 21st season
- Story by
- Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin signs one-year deal to stay in Pittsburgh for 21st season
Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin signs one-year deal to stay in Pittsburgh for 21st season appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Evgeni Malkin is officially returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 2026-27 NHL season after signing a one-year contract extension worth $5.5 million annually. The deal means that Malkin will stay with the Penguins for at least a 21st season, with the contract also reportedly including $3.5 million in bonuses and a no-movement clause.
Advertisement
Malkin and Sidney Crosby are now both under contract through 2026-27. The former even joked that he wanted to add another ‘zero’ on his contract before signing it , per a post on X by the Penguins.
“Best city, best fans, I stay one more year… bingo. Best day in my life, yeah!” he said in the clip.
After becoming a free agent following the completion of his four-year contract signed before the 2022-23 season, retirement was reportedly not under consideration. The veteran center had focused on reaching a new agreement with Pittsburgh and made clear after the Penguins’ playoff exit that he wanted to return , though he indicated he would consider another organization if Pittsburgh did not make an offer.
Advertisement
The Penguins are bringing back a player who remains productive despite now being almost 40 years old. Malkin produced 61 points through 56 games with 19 goals and 42 assists in the 2025-26 campaign despite transitioning to the wing.
He also recorded three points in six playoff games before Pittsburgh exited in the opening round. Drafted second overall by Pittsburgh in 2004, Malkin debuted in 2006 and has spent 20 NHL seasons with the Penguins.
Across 1,269 career regular-season games, he has produced 533 goals and 874 assists for 1,407 points. He ranks second in franchise history in games played, second in game-winning goals (89), second in overtime goals (14), third in goals, third in assists, third in total points and third in power-play goals with 187.
Since entering the NHL in 2006-07, he ranks fourth league-wide in goals and third in assists and points, and has recorded at least a point per game in 16 of his 20 NHL seasons, something only four players in NHL history have done before.
Related: Penguins rumors: Pierre LeBrun makes Evgeni Malkin contract guarantee
