Malkin Contract Extension Secures Pittsburgh’s Veteran Center
The Pittsburgh Penguins have secured their veteran center for at least one more season. On May 26, 2026, the organization finalized a contract renewal with Evgeni Malkin that will keep the 39-year-old through the 2026-27 campaign, according to an announcement by President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas.
The agreement carries a $5.5 million salary component, with the potential to reach $9 million in average annual value through performance-based incentives. Malkin’s contract includes a full no-movement clause, maintaining his protected status with the franchise.
The structure includes a $2.5 million base salary and $3 million signing bonus, complemented by performance bonuses tied to games played (hitting thresholds at 42 and 63 appearances), playoff qualification ($1 million), and playoff advancement ($500,000 per round). This arrangement reflects Malkin’s injury history, as the Russian forward appeared in only 56 games last season due to injury and suspension, though he had played all 82 games in each of the two prior seasons.
A Legacy of Excellence and Accomplishment
At 39, Malkin continues to rank among the most accomplished players in NHL history. The Magnitogorsk native has spent his entire 20-season professional career with Pittsburgh and remains one of the league’s elite performers. He has registered 1,407 points (533 goals, 874 assists) across 1,269 games, placing him third in franchise scoring behind only Sidney Crosby.
Malkin’s resume includes three Stanley Cup championships (2009, 2016, 2017), two Art Ross Trophies for scoring, the 2012 Hart Trophy as league MVP, and the 2009 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP—an honor he claimed at age 22 after recording 36 points during Pittsburgh’s championship run. A seven-time All-Star, Malkin achieved 100-point seasons on three occasions and has been named team MVP five times by his peers. Internationally, he has represented Russia across multiple Olympic Winter Games and World Championships.
Represented by agent JP Barry, Malkin’s contract extension underscores Pittsburgh’s commitment to retaining its core veteran talent during what may represent a final competitive window for the franchise’s aging roster.
