Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin has re-signed with the team. After intense speculation about his future in the National Hockey League, it’s now confirmed that the 39-year-old Russian will be with the Penguins for one more season.
On X, the Penguins’ official handle shared a link to an NHL.com article announcing Malkin’s extension. The link also contained a graphic with Malkin’s photos, along with bold text that read, “re-signed.” In the caption of the post, the Penguins handle wrote, “ANOTHER YEAR OF MALKAMANIA 🔥.”
The post by the Pittsburgh Penguins quickly generated a lot of buzz, and many fans expressed their excitement. One fan credited General Manager Kyle Dubas for getting Malkin’s extension done.
Let us take a look a look at more reactions:
“What an idiot. He need’s to play with someone other then woke crybaby Crosby if he want’s any chance at ever winning the cup again. They only won because of Phil Kessle who scorred all the goal’s,” a fan wrote
“No matter what anyone says right decision he deserves to retire here whenever that might be,” one fan wrote
“Let’s go on one last cup run fellas LFG,” a fan wrote
“I am glad! He deserves it and with deal a year at a time, it’s perfect to reevaluate his position each year. At 5.5M even 0.5ppg is ok performance,” one fan wrote
“Well, I guess an @kyledubas W! Hopefully Geno performs like he did this past season,” a fan wrote
After the news of Evgeni Malkin extending his contract for another year went viral, NHL Insider Chris Johnston revealed that apart from the guaranteed $5.5M, Malkin can also earn $500,000 in games played bonuses, $1M if #pens qualify for the playoffs, and $500,000 for each playoff round won. Johnston also revealed Malkin’s contract has a no-movement clause.
Sidney Crosby will be a happy man following Evgeni Malkin’s contract extension
It would be safe to assume that Sidney Crosby is a happy man following Evgeni Malkin’s contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins. After all, Crosby and Malkin have played 20 seasons together, winning three Stanley Cups in 2009, 2016, and 2017.
When there was uncertainity around Malkin’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Crosby hoped negotiations between Malkin and Penguins would get done quicker. He recalled an incident from 2022, and also mentioned he has always expected to play with Malkin.
Speaking after a Team Canada practice session nearly a week ago, Crosby said:
“I remember a few years ago when Geno was coming up on being a free agent… It went into July. Hopefully, there’s something that gets done here before that.”
He further added:
“I’ve just always expected to be playing with him… I don’t know. After talking with everyone at the end of the year, it felt like it was in a good place in terms of getting something done.”
While Evgeni Malkin has signed a one-year extension, Sidney Crosby’s contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins also ends next season. It will be interesting to see if Malkin and Crosby can lead the Penguins to a Stanley Cup in what could be their final season together.
Edited by Varun Anand Bhat
