After a controversial and disappointing 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Rangers, Evgeni Malkin post-game was finally asked by the media about his future and if any contracts talks took place during the Milano/Cortina Olympic break.
This comes after multiple top reporters spoke on the very much possibility of the two sides meeting during the break to talk on a one year extension to keep Malkin a penguin for life.
Malkin revealed today to the media that both sides only talked once and it was mainly about "punting" any future and extension talks to the off-season as the Penguins continue to push towards the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Malkin confirms Penguins have punted decision on his future until after the season.
— Dan Kingerski (@TheDanKingerski) February 28, 2026
The Penguins sit at around just over $45 million dollars in cap space to spend in the off-season after acquiring Samuel Girard, which is still a very hefty amount of available cap. Malkin expressed his willingness to take a pay cut to stay and also help the team build an even stronger group around the aging core.
Josh Yohe of The Athletic had a one on one with Malkin after the media ventured off and Geno was very much showing some emotion.
"You can feel Malkin's frustration. He badly wants to return next season. "Yohe after talk with Malkin
Malkin currently is still sitting on his contract at a $6,100,000 AAV, when it comes to a team friendly deal, Malkin could project maybe a $4,000,000 to a $5,000,000 million AAV contract on his next deal that will more than likely include a buyout proof 35+ clause and a no move clause to ensure any sort of trade projection in his final year in the NHL next season.
The decision that Kyle Dubas may be asking is, can he maybe acquire someone younger at the trade deadline or in the off-season that will cost the same or less then him that fits the current mold of the now and future of the team.
The other possibility is that he is more focused on the now and will be ready for a big decision like that in the off-season and this is his message to Malkin to play better then he already he is.