Penguins Must Retain Evgeni Malkin Past 2024

The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing a turning point as two of their biggest stars head into the twilight of their careers. While Sidney Crosby has committed to stick around for two more years, Evgeni Malkin’s future is less certain.

Malkin has just one year left on his contract, and many expect him to hang up his skates after next season. But there’s a chance he might stick around if he has a strong year, according to The Athletic’s Josh Yohe.

It’s pretty rare for young players to learn from one hockey legend, let alone two. That’s what makes this situation so interesting for the Penguins’ upcoming talent.

Money isn’t a factor in Malkin’s decision – he’s already earned close to $150 million in his NHL career. And with his spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame already locked up, he’s got nothing left to prove.

The Penguins are finally getting younger, thanks to GM Kyle Dubas’s recent moves. Their prospect pool is looking better than it has in years, with fresh faces ready to make the jump to the NHL.

Maybe that youth movement is exactly what could keep Malkin around. After all, he knows what it’s like to have a veteran mentor – Sergei Gonchar played that role for him when he first came to the NHL.

If Geno (as fans lovingly call him) does stay, his role would need some adjusting. He’s still good enough to be a second-line center, but he might do better playing wing with fewer games. When he played alongside Crosby this year, they showed some real chemistry.

He’s not the same powerhouse who won the Hart Trophy ten years ago, but his playmaking skills are still top-notch. His booming one-timer hasn’t lost its punch either.

In the locker room, Malkin’s presence is huge. He’s a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, and his three Stanley Cup rings give him serious credibility with younger players.

Playing into his 40s would mean year-by-year contracts. If he can handle 60-70 games a season and still put up around 50 points, that’s solid production for a veteran player.

But here’s the reality check: Malkin’s had two major knee surgeries in his career. Unlike Crosby and Ovechkin, who’ve stayed remarkably speedy, Malkin’s lost a step or two.

Whatever he decides, Malkin’s place in Penguins history is secure. He’ll join Crosby, Mario Lemieux, and Jaromir Jagr as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. He’s likely to pass 1,400 career points next season – not bad for a player who somehow didn’t make the NHL’s top 100 list.