Malkin says he and Dubas will talk this summer about contract situation

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Mar 16, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) controls the puck in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Evgeni Malkin returned from his five-game suspension Monday night with a stellar game against the Colorado Avalanche and after the game, the veteran Penguins center said he and Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas are expected to talk this summer about his contract situation.

Earlier this month, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that Malkin and the organization were due to meet again about a potential contract extension.

After Monday’s 7-2 throttling of the Colorado Avalanche, Malkin spoke at length about his return from being suspended and also addressed his contract situation, but wasn’t able to provide many specifics outside of when the two camps might meet again.

“I can’t say anything,” Malkin told The Athletic’s Josh Yohe.

Malkin said that he and Dubas talked a couple of weeks ago with Dubas telling Malkin the two would talk this summer.

Geno on his contract situation: "I can't say anything. We (Malkin and Dubas) talked probably two weeks ago. He told me we would talk this summer. I'm OK with that. We have 15 games left, I hope playoffs. I want to just play. He asked if I wanted to play next year. I said yes. He…

— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) March 17, 2026

“I’m okay with that,” Malkin said. “We have 15 games left. I hope playoffs. I want to just play.”

Malkin then said he told Dubas he wants to play next year and was told “Don’t worry, we’ll talk after the season” by Dubas.

Geno on wanting a new contract and talk with Dubas: pic.twitter.com/YHkLDNF8zO

— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) March 17, 2026

“I feel great,” Malkin said. “I want to play next year too. Maybe two years. Who knows? Again, it’s just business.”

With 15 games left in the regular season, the Penguins have matched their win total from last year and currently sit in second place in the NHL’s Metropolitan division.

Through just 67 games, the @penguins have matched their win total from last year under the guidance of first-year head coach Dan Muse:

YoY Improvement (24-25 25-26):
Wins: 34 34
Regulation Wins: 24 29 (+5)
Points: 80 83 (+3)
Points %: .488 .619 (+.131)
GF/GM:… pic.twitter.com/JsFNYs3muh

— Penguins PR (@PenguinsPR) March 17, 2026

According to Moneypuck, the Penguins have an 85.3% chance of making the postseason for the first time since 2022, when the team lost to the New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs.

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