Pittsburgh Penguins legend Evgeni Malkin is set to enter his 39th year in the 2025-26 season following a somewhat limited season recently. He appeared in 68 games, tallying 16 goals and 50 points, marking the first time he missed games since the 2021-22 season when he had 20 goals and 42 points in 41 games. While Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell led the top line, Malkin spent significant time alongside Michael Bunting and Cody Glass, playing 83:58 minutes before these players were traded at the deadline.
Before being traded to the Nashville Predators as part of the Tommy Novak deal, Bunting scored 14 goals and 29 points in 58 games with the Penguins. Glass had 4 goals and 15 points before his trade to the New Jersey Devils. Malkin contributed significantly in many games, setting up scoring chances, but some plays didn’t convert into goals. Although he was on pace for 60 points, missing 14 games prevented him from surpassing that mark easily.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Malkin is expected to receive more support, especially from Vilkkoivnen, who showcased his skills at the end of the 2024-25 season with seven assists in eight games. Their chemistry on the ice was promising, with solid possession and scoring chance metrics during the six games they played together. With new head coach Dan Muse beginning the next season in October, Malkin is likely to get more ice time and opportunities.
Tommy Novak, who was acquired last season from Nashville, played only two games before a season-ending injury in March. Although traditionally a center, Muse shifted him to the wing to bolster Malkin’s line. Novak had his best season in 2023-24 with 18 goals and 45 points in 71 games, demonstrating a keen scoring touch and puck handling skills.
Novak and Koivunen are among the options the Penguins have to support Malkin. If Rickard Rakell and Brian Rust remain for the season, one of them could fill the right wing alongside Malkin. Both Rakell and Rust had standout seasons last year, each scoring over 30 goals and accumulating over 60 points, reaching career highs. Despite trade rumors, Penguins’ GM Kyle Dubas has set a high price for either player and will only consider trades for offers that can’t be refused.
Anthony Mantha joined the Penguins on a one-year deal this July and has recovered from a torn ACL. He played just 13 games last season with the Calgary Flames but has a history as a strong scorer, having recorded 23 goals and 44 points in 74 games before his injury. Mantha could be a valuable asset for the Penguins or a trade candidate at the deadline, similar to Anthony Beauvillier, who signed with the Penguins in 2024 and was later traded to Washington after contributing 13 goals in 63 games.
Malkin is currently in the final year of his contract, and it’s uncertain if this will be his last NHL season. He may choose to assess his situation midway or toward the end of the upcoming season before deciding. With added support, Malkin might be persuaded to play another year, especially with his longtime teammate and friend Sidney Crosby signed through 2026-27.
(Data sourced from Natural Stat Trick and Dobber Freezing Tools).
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Fan Take: This update is crucial for hockey fans because it highlights Malkin’s potential to remain a dominant force with the right support, signaling hope for sustained Penguins competitiveness. Watching how new talent gels with veterans like Malkin could shape the future dynamics of the team and the sport.
