In the world of professional hockey, few stories capture the heart of the game quite like the enduring legacy of a franchise legend. And for Pittsburgh Penguins fans, the latest news from General Manager Kyle Dubas is music to their ears: the team would “love” to have Evgeni Malkin back for a 21st season.
Speaking on Tuesday, Dubas expressed strong optimism about retaining the three-time Stanley Cup champion, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his illustrious career this July. At 40 years old come August, Malkin is coming off a resilient bounce-back season, tallying 19 goals and 42 assists in just 56 games—a reminder that his elite playmaking remains intact.
After Pittsburgh’s first-round playoff exit to Philadelphia, Malkin made it clear he plans to play in the NHL next season and would prefer to do so with the only franchise he has ever called home. Dubas, who had been cautious with his comments throughout the year, now sounds more confident just a few weeks removed from the postseason loss. He pointed to Malkin’s ability to overcome adversity—missing 20 games due to injury and five more due to suspension—as proof that the veteran forward still brings valuable energy and production to the ice.
“Each time his season threatened to derail, he returned with renewed energy,” Dubas noted, emphasizing that no player in Pittsburgh’s improving prospect pool is ready to step into Malkin’s role as a top offensive option. “I don’t think he’s blocking anybody. We would love to have him back.”
Malkin’s potential return would continue one of the most remarkable runs in North American sports history. Alongside Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, the trio has spent two decades together—the longest any three teammates have played together across major professional leagues. While Dubas acknowledges that this era will eventually come to a close during his tenure, he also recognizes the unique chemistry that makes this group special. Letang remains under contract for two more seasons, and Crosby—the only player in NHL history to average a point per game for 21 straight years—becomes eligible for an extension this July.
For fans and collectors alike, the possibility of seeing Malkin back in black and gold is more than just a roster move—it’s a celebration of loyalty, resilience, and the timeless appeal of a hockey icon. Whether you’re looking to gear up for next season or honor a legend’s journey, this is a story worth following closely. Stay tuned for more updates as the offseason unfolds.