Evgeni Malkin says he wants one more year, and the Penguins feel the squeeze
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Evgeni Malkin wants one more year, and Pittsburgh Penguins contract extension pressure just spiked.
He said it out loud after Thursday's 6-2 win in Edmonton. Not hints, not vibes, just a clear target for next season.
Malkin admitted it has not been easy, especially with his skating. Then he doubled down, saying his goal is proving he can still play next year.
That message lands differently when it comes right after a win like that. He finished the night with a goal and an assist.
It was his second straight two-point game, and another reminder that his hands still create chaos in the slot. Pittsburgh also moved to 25-14-11 and kept climbing.
The clip hits because it feels personal, like he's talking directly to the front office. No drama, just a veteran drawing a line in the ice.
On the season, Malkin sits at 12-27-39 in 35 games. That's top-six production, tied for second on the team, sitting behind Sidney Crosby's 57 points.
Evgeni Malkin just raised Pittsburgh Penguins pressure
Penguins fans feel that familiar mix right now, proud of the swagger, nervous about how quickly «one more year» can turn into a farewell.
This isn't only about nostalgia. It's about whether Malkin can keep driving play when the games get tight, especially against fast teams that force you to defend through the middle.
His best shifts still come when he attacks off the wall and cuts inside with speed through the neutral zone. That's when linemates can read off him and crash into space.
The contract part is the real chess match. He's in the final year of a deal with a $6.1 million cap hit, and Kyle Dubas has to decide if one more season fits the plan.
There's also the durability angle, because he already missed 15 games with an upper-body injury and needed time on injured reserve. One more year has to come with a realistic workload.
If the Penguins keep sitting second in the Metro, six points behind Carolina, the argument gets louder. Winning changes everything, including how teams treat their aging core.
Sunday in Vancouver is the next checkpoint. If Malkin keeps stacking points, the conversation stops being sentimental and starts sounding like roster math.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 23|204 ANSWERS Evgeni Malkin says he wants one more year, and the Penguins feel the squeeze Should the Pittsburgh Penguins give Evgeni Malkin one more year? | ||
| Yes | 159 | 77.9 % |
| No | 45 | 22.1 % |
| List of polls | ||