Penguins Re‑Sign Evgeni Malkin to One‑Year, $5.5M Deal

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed franchise icon Evgeni Malkin to a one-year contract, ensuring the veteran center will return for a 21st season with the only NHL team he has ever played for. The deal, announced Tuesday, carries an average annual value of $5.5 million and runs through the 2026-27 campaign.

Malkin, who turns 40 in August, was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He had publicly expressed his desire to remain in Pittsburgh for over a year, stating he preferred to stay rather than test the open market for the first time in his career. General manager Kyle Dubas had been non-committal for months, only stating recently that the team would love to have Malkin back for what could be a final season before a likely Hall of Fame induction.

The contract represents a slight pay cut from the $6.1 million Malkin earned on his expiring deal. According to reports, the new agreement includes performance bonuses, a signing bonus, and a full no-movement clause.

Malkin’s performance last season played a pivotal role in the decision. Despite missing 20 games due to injury and another five to a suspension, he recorded 19 goals and 42 assists for 61 points in 56...