Cue the tears in Pittsburgh.
Penguins’ legendary forward Evgeni Malkin, who is an unrestricted free agent after this upcoming season, is not expected to stay with the team, according to Josh Yohe of The Athletic.
Yohe also referred to it as a “farewell tour.”
Malkin, 39, has been one of the great sidekicks in NHL history. While he will not go down as celebrated as his buddy, Sidney Crosby, the two, along with defenseman Kris Letang, have built, secured, and solidified this generation of Penguins hockey.
Malkin was unstoppable during Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup-winning run in 2009, netting 14 goals and a league-high 36 points over 24 games. He was awarded the Conn Smythe for his efforts, particularly because Crosby was mostly a non-factor during the Final rematch versus the Detroit Red Wings.
Over 1,213 career regular season games, Malkin has recorded 514 goals, 1,346 points, and racked up a laundry list of accomplishments (three Stanley Cups, two Art Rosses, the 2012 Hart Trophy, and the 2007 Calder Trophy) that guarantee him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Yohe did note that it is unclear if Malkin will retire, head back to the KHL, or join another franchise for 2026. However, unless Malkin feels that a fourth Cup is a necessity, Pittsburgh fans should hope that he remains a one-jersey player.
The Penguins have only retired three numbers in their 58-year history: Mario Lemieux’s No. 66, Jaromír Jágr’s No. 68, and Michel Brière’s No. 21, the latter of which tragically passed away at the age of 21.
In due time, Malkin, Crosby, and Letang will all hang forever in the rafters.
