Evgeni Malkin is back with the Pittsburgh Penguins for another season. He signed a one-year contract extension worth $5.5 million. Both Malkin and president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas expressed a strong desire to keep him in Pittsburgh.
This new contract has some interesting details. It includes:
- A no-movement clause
- A base salary of $2.5 million
- A signing bonus of $3 million
- Performance bonuses that can add up to $3.5 million, depending on his games played and the team’s success in the playoffs
Malkin, who will turn 40 in July, played 56 games last season, scoring 19 goals and making 42 assists, totaling 61 points. He averaged about 17 and a half minutes of ice time per game. However, he faced health challenges, including a persistent shoulder injury that led him to switch positions from center to right wing.
As his contract was coming to an end, Malkin made it clear he wanted to stay. He stated, “I want to be part of the team next year. I want to be retired in Pittsburgh.” His comments showed a commitment to the franchise, especially in light of a new ownership group taking over.
Dubas also highlighted how valuable Malkin is to the team, noting that the younger players haven’t reached a point where they could replace him. He expressed eagerness to work out a new deal.
Malkin was drafted second overall in the 2004 NHL Draft and has dedicated his entire 20-year career to the Penguins. He’s the franchise’s third-leading scorer with 1,407 points over 1,269 games, playing a crucial role in the three Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2009, 2016, and 2017.
His potential exit sparked concern among teammates. Forward Rickard Rakell said he couldn’t imagine Malkin leaving. “The thought of him not coming back hasn’t even crossed my mind,” he remarked.
Now that Malkin is signed, the Penguins still have several other players whose contracts will expire soon. They have 16 players, both unrestricted and restricted free agents, who will need attention before July 1.
Malkin’s re-signing is significant not just for the Penguins but also in the context of player loyalty in the NHL. As teams move toward younger rosters, having a veteran like Malkin brings experience and stability, which is crucial in a league that rewards both skill and leadership.
Many fans took to social media to celebrate Malkin’s decision to stay, indicating his impact on the team goes beyond statistics. His continued presence in Pittsburgh reflects a commitment to winning and a strong connection with the city and its supporters.
In a league marked by player movement and trades, Malkin’s decision also underscores a trend of long-term players wanting to finish their careers with the teams that drafted them. This reflects a deeper connection between athletes and their franchises in the modern sports landscape.
For more insights into player contracts and impacts in the NHL, check out NHL’s financial reports.
