Penguins GM Dubas wants Malkin for 21st season

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas expressed strong interest Tuesday in bringing back forward Evgeni Malkin for a 21st NHL season, signaling optimism about retaining the three-time Stanley Cup champion as he approaches unrestricted free agency.

Speaking at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex following the team's first-round playoff loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, Dubas said the Penguins had conducted a positive exit interview with Malkin and his agent, J.P. Barry. "We would love to have him back," Dubas stated. He added that no prospects in the team's pool are ready to fill Malkin's role as a top offensive contributor. "I don't think he's blocking anybody."

Malkin, who turns 40 in August, posted 19 goals and 42 assists in 56 games during the 2025-26 season, a rebound performance that helped Pittsburgh return to the playoffs after a three-year absence. He missed 20 games to injury and five to suspension but returned each time with strong play, including effective shifts on the wing alongside linemates Egor Chinakhov and Tommy Novak. After the playoff defeat, Malkin affirmed his intent to play one more NHL season, preferably with Pittsburgh, the only franchise he has...