Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Evgeni Malkin Says He’ll Play Elsewhere If Penguins Don’t Offer New Deal

The veteran’s exit-day comments put pressure on a front office weighing a youth plan against keeping a franchise icon.

Overview

  • Malkin, who spoke to reporters Friday at locker cleanout, said he has no update after meeting Kyle Dubas and answered yes when asked if he would join another NHL team without a Penguins offer.
  • He reiterated he wants one more season with Pittsburgh and confirmed he is staying in the NHL rather than returning to Russia’s KHL.
  • General manager Kyle Dubas has been noncommittal as the team balances getting younger with honoring core leaders, even with roughly $45–45.8 million in projected cap space and no goalies under contract.
  • The 39-year-old produced 61 points in 56 games after shifting from center to wing, missed time with injury, and drew public support to return from Sidney Crosby and other teammates.
  • Outside chatter has linked him to Washington through a former teammate’s speculation, but no formal interest has been reported as Malkin approaches unrestricted free agency on July 1.