The air in Pittsburgh is thick with anticipation and a touch of anxiety as the Penguins gear up for the 2025-26 season. While fans are eager to see the team back on the ice, two colossal questions are casting a shadow over the franchise, and the answers could redefine the team’s future. As an hockey analyst I’ve been following the rumors and the rumblings, and let me tell you, this season is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent memory.
A Tale of Two Legends: The Future of Malkin and Crosby
Let’s start with the big one: Could this be it for Evgeni Malkin? At 39, “Geno” is entering the final year of his contract, and the silence from both his camp and the Penguins’ front office is deafening. GM Kyle Dubas has been coy, stating that discussions will happen during the Olympic break, but in the world of NHL trade rumors, that’s practically an eternity. The organization is in a “wait and see” mode. They want to see if Malkin can still be a dominant force before committing to another contract. It’s a high-stakes game of chicken, and the outcome will have a massive ripple effect on the Penguins’ roster.
And then there’s the ageless wonder, Sidney Crosby. At 38, he’s not just playing; he’s dominating. Leading the team with 91 points last season, Crosby is defying Father Time in a way that’s almost mythical. The question isn’t “if” he can continue, but “how long” he can sustain this incredible level of play. The Penguins’ playoff hopes rest squarely on his shoulders, and while he’s shown no signs of slowing down, the pressure is immense. Can he single-handedly drag this team back to the postseason? It’s a question every Penguins fan is asking.
Pittsburgh Penguins Pre-Season Schedule 2025-26
The road to answering these questions begins with the pre-season. Here’s a look at the Penguins’ full schedule:
- Monday, September 22 at Montreal Canadiens, 7:00 p.m. at Bell Centre
- Wednesday, September 24 at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7:00 p.m. at Nationwide Arena
- Friday, September 26 vs. Detroit Red Wings, 7:00 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena
- Saturday, September 27 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets, 7:00 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena
- Monday, September 29 at Detroit Red Wings, 7:00 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena
- Wednesday, October 1 at Buffalo Sabres, 7:00 p.m. at KeyBank Center
- Friday, October 3 vs. Buffalo Sabres, 7:00 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena
This pre-season will be crucial for setting the tone for the regular season. It’s a chance for the team to build chemistry and for the front office to evaluate their talent.
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The post Pittsburgh Penguins News: Malkin’s Last Season and Crosby’s Defiance of Time? appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
