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Evgeni Malkin Hopes to Stay with Penguins Amid Uncertain Future Before Game 4
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- Evgeni Malkin Hopes to Stay with Penguins Amid Uncertain Future Before Game 4
The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing elimination in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the up-and-coming Philadelphia Flyers .
The Penguins dropped the first three games of the season, and with a must-win Game 4 coming and the potential ending of the season right around the corner, questions inside the locker room shifted toward the future of veteran forward Evgeni Malkin .
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Malkin is nearing the end of his current contract and has no deal in place to return to Pittsburgh next season. The Russian center could either become an unrestricted free agent this summer or decide to retire right before turning 40 in July.
Right before Game 4 and after Friday's practice, Malkin was asked about how a loss on Saturday or shortly after could impact his future and that of the Penguins organization.
Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) warms up.Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
"I mean, I hope it's not over," Malkin said. "I hope we're still fighting, and my future, like I said, I want to be here. I want to be part of the team next year, too. And I want to be retired in Pittsburgh."
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Malkin made clear that continuing his career is his preference, but he acknowledged that the decision is not entirely in his hands.
"But it's not my choice," Malkin said. "It's Kyle's decision. It's the new owner's, probably, too."
Earlier in the season, Malkin had already signaled his intentions to keep playing in the NHL .
"I feel great," Malkin said. "I want to play next year too. Maybe two years, who knows? But again, it's just business."
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Malkin signed his current 4-year, $24.4 million contract in 2022, and it is set to expire at the end of this season, meaning any return to Pittsburgh would require a new contract and thus Dubas' willingness to offer him one.
Malkin scored 61 points in 56 games this season, helping the Penguins secure the playoffs after missing them for three consecutive years.
Pittsburgh trails 3-0 in its first-round series against the Philadelphia Flyers, with Malkin contributing a team-high three points (two goals, one assist) through Game 3.
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Game 4 is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Saturday, in what could be Malkin's final NHL game or, at the very least, the last game of his season if the Penguins can't extend the series.
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Related: Oilers Coach Blames 'Freebies' for Game 3 Loss to Ducks
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
