For the past two decades, the Pittsburgh Penguins have benefited from the presence of NHL icon Sidney Crosby, already destined for the Hall of Fame. However, alongside Crosby, another NHL legend has flourished—veteran forward Evgeni Malkin, who recently received high praise from Penguins GM Kyle Dubas. On a recent episode of the Cam & Strick podcast, Dubas, who joined the Penguins in 2023, called Malkin “perhaps the most underrated player ever,” noting that despite often being overshadowed by Crosby, Malkin has been one of the league’s top talents throughout his career.
Malkin has played a key role in all three of Pittsburgh’s Stanley Cup victories (2009, 2016, 2017), amassing 514 goals and 1,346 points over 1,213 games. He earned the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie in 2006-07 and won the Art Ross Trophy twice as the league’s leading scorer (2009, 2012). In addition, he brought home the Ted Lindsay Award and Hart Trophy during the 2011-12 season, when he recorded 50 goals and 109 points.
Now aged 39, Malkin has often been underappreciated despite his impressive career achievements, including being left off the NHL’s Top 100 Players list in 2017. While he may not be at his peak anymore, Dubas believes Malkin still has valuable contributions ahead. The Penguins plan to review his contract and future with the team as they approach free agency and the 2025-26 season, which will include an Olympic break.
Fan Take: This recognition of Malkin’s sustained excellence reminds hockey fans how vital veteran leadership and skill are to a team’s success, extending beyond headline superstars. As the Penguins look ahead, Malkin’s potential continued impact could shape how the sport values and manages aging yet talented players in the league.
