Penguins' Evgeni Malkin Opens Door to All NHL Teams Before Free Agency
The Pittsburgh Penguins saw their postseason end in a 1-0 overtime loss to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 6, finishing a season that ended with a 41-25-16 regular-season record and a 4-2 first-round exit.
Pittsburgh returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2022 but managed just 11 goals across six games, falling short after pushing the series to Game 6 after falling into a 3-0 hole.
With the season over, all attention shifted to the future of Evgeni Malkin, whose contract is set to expire and his next career step still unclear.
Malkin is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 following the completion of his four-year, $24.4 million contract, and the Russian center was asked directly whether he would consider playing for another team if he does not return to Pittsburgh, as long as that means staying active in the NHL.
"Yes," Malkin said, making it clear that continuing his career in the NHL remains his priority, even if it means leaving the only franchise he has played for.
"I want to play in the NHL, for sure, but I know it's not easy for (Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas). Maybe he wants new blood here. I understand it's a business," Malkin said. "For me, I want to play one more year in the NHL… But if not Pittsburgh, I hope some (NHL) team."
Malkin revealed he plans to speak with Dubas as the offseason begins, but acknowledged there is no clarity on what comes next, so shortly after the postseason ended for the Penguins.
"Hard to say right now, but we have time," Malkin said. "It's a long summer. I'll just do my same routine-back to Russia, stay with my family and my friends. We'll see what's going on. But right now, nothing new."
Evgeni Malkin says he has "nothing new" to share on his contract talks. He said he talked to Kyle Dubas today but doesn't have a sense of what happens.
— DK Pittsburgh Sports (@DKPghSports) May 1, 2026
Asked if he'd be willing to play for another NHL team if he doesn't get an offer here, he said "Yes." - From Taylor Haase in…
Despite opening the door to other teams, Malkin reiterated his preference to remain in Pittsburgh alongside longtime teammates Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, with whom he's spent two decades playing in the NHL.
"It's a special two guys for me. A lot played together," Malkin said. ‘We're not happy we lost, but we tried to fight every game. Sometimes you lose, but, again, these two special guys, I hope we play together one more year, but if not, I have great 20 years together. Never forget it."
Malkin finished the regular season with 61 points in 59 games and said he still believes he can contribute at the NHL level next season.
"I feel like I can play next year for sure," Malkin said. "I want to come back stronger next year. I still want to play hockey. It's the best game in the world, and just have fun, enjoy the game."
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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 1:35 PM.