Report: Penguins star Evgeni Malkin likely done after next season

Field Level Media|published: 06/16/2025, 3:47pm EDT

Apr 8, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) looks on against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The upcoming NHL season could reportedly be the last for Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin.

The Russian center has repeatedly stated he doesn't want to play anywhere but in Pittsburgh, where he's played his entire 19-year career.

However, the Penguins are not expected to offer Malkin another contract when his current deal ends after the 2025-2026 season, The Athletic reported Monday.

Malkin is reportedly not expected to sign with another team in the NHL but could explore continuing his career in his native Russia in the KHL.

The second-overall pick of the 2004 NHL Draft, Malkin is a four-time All-Star who twice led the league in points (2008-09, 2011-12) and earned the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP in 2012. He won three Stanley Cup Championships with the Penguins (2009, 2016, 2017).

Malkin had 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists) in 68 games this season. He ranks second in franchise history in games (1,213) and third in goals (514), assists (832) and points (1,346).

Pittsburgh has two other big names in the last year of their contracts in the upcoming season in Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang.

--Field Level Media