Pittsburgh Penguins icon Evgeni Malkin is within the remaining yr of his contract, which features a no-movement clause. The three-time Stanley Cup champion recently acknowledged that he seemingly will not obtain an extension from his longtime membership amid a painful roster rebuild.
Whereas talking at Penguins’ coaching camp on Friday, Malkin indicated he might comply with within the footsteps of Brad Marchand. The 37-year-old became arguably one of the best commerce deadline acquisition in NHL historical past en path to serving to the Florida Panthers repeat as Stanley Cup champions in 2025.
Evgeni Malkin might have “arduous” trade-deadline resolution
“It’s arduous,” Malkin admitted about probably waiving his no-trade clause if a contender wished to land his providers for a postseason run, per The Athletic’s Josh Yohe. “Once more, we see a narrative like Brad Marchand. Trying good. Staff trades you, you win the Cup. It’s a little bit bizarre, too. In fact, everyone desires to make the playoffs, possibly make yet one more run on the Cup. Nice story. However I don’t understand how I’d really feel if the staff desires to commerce me.”
It is unclear how a lot Marchand, 39, has left within the tank after he tallied 16 targets and 50 factors in 68 video games final season. That mentioned, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby pointed out this week that “the expectations from the skin are fairly low” relating to what Pittsburgh will obtain in 2025-26.
DraftKings Sportsbook has the Penguins at +600 betting odds to make the playoffs this season.
“If that is my final yr, I’ve had 20 years,” Malkin mentioned on Friday. “That’s not too dangerous, too. I’m glad to be a Penguin, win three Stanley Cups right here.”
Evgeni Malkin reveals want for a way his profession will finish
In October 2023, Malkin, Crosby and defenseman Kris Letang turned the longest-tenured trio of teammates in North American skilled sports activities historical past. Malkin urged he’d like to complete his profession with the three of them in Pittsburgh.
“I hope I keep right here,” Malkin added. “Like Sid, Tanger, Penguins perpetually, for certain. I hope we play nice. I wish to keep right here, for certain.”
It stays to be seen what Malkin, Letang and Crosby will resolve to do if the Penguins flop this yr.
