The rumors are growing louder around the league, and they all seem to be asking the same question: will this be Evgeni Malkin’s final season in a Pittsburgh Penguins sweater? From what I’m hearing, the writing is on the wall. The Penguins, under GM Kyle Dubas, are in sell mode, and while it’s painful for fans to hear, Malkin’s farewell tour may have already begun.
Sources indicate the team has told the future Hall of Famer he won’t be re-signed, effectively starting the countdown clock on his legendary tenure in the Steel City. This isn’t just smoke; where there’s this much talk, there’s usually a fire brewing. The Evgeni Malkin rumors aren’t going away.
Where Could Evgeni Malkin End Up?
So, what’s the trigger for a trade? It’s simple: the standings. If the Penguins are clawing their way into a playoff spot come the NHL trade deadline, you can expect Geno to stay for one last postseason push with Sid. But if they’re on the outside looking in—which many insiders believe is the likely scenario—Dubas will have no choice but to pull the trigger.
There is chatter around three specific teams that would show heavy interest. The Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, and Edmonton Oilers are the top contenders, all salivating at the chance to add a motivated Malkin for a deep Stanley Cup run. Each of those teams sees him as the missing piece, a veteran center with championship DNA who can still be a game-breaker.
The reality is that this era of Penguins hockey is closing. Trading a franchise icon like Malkin is a monumental decision, but it’s a necessary one for a team looking to rebuild. The condensed schedule leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics will accelerate trade talks across the league, and Pittsburgh will be at the center of it all. Fans should prepare themselves; seeing #71 in another team’s jersey is a very real possibility before this season is over. The only question left is which contender will ultimately win the Evgeni Malkin sweepstakes.
Stay Ahead of the Latest Pittsburgh Penguins Buzz
For the most up-to-date Pittsburgh Penguins news, trade analysis, and insights, make sure to add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks. Join our Online Hockey Pool for a chance to win cash prizes and find out how to watch the Penguins game on TV today. Don’t miss a single move!
The post Is This Evgeni Malkin’s Last Season with the Pittsburgh Penguins? appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
