Overview

• Malkin said he understands this may be his last season, though he left open the possibility of one or two more years, and he emphasized playing for fun, mentoring, and seeking one more playoff run with Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang.
• General manager Kyle Dubas said there is no change on contract talks and identified the 2026 Olympic break as a key window to meet with Malkin and his agent.
• Malkin is entering the final year of the four-year contract he signed in 2022, which carries a $6.1 million cap hit and includes a full no-move clause.
• The Penguins are continuing an open-ended rebuild after three straight seasons without a playoff berth, with Dubas rejecting shortcuts and Dan Muse replacing Mike Sullivan behind the bench.
• Crosby remains committed to Pittsburgh through next season, and his agent has said the captain still aims to win another Stanley Cup or two.