The Pittsburgh Penguins watched their longtime star Evgeni Malkin turn back the clock last season.
Now comes the challenge of doing it again at 40.
NHL.com identified Malkin’s ability to sustain his production as one of the three major questions facing Pittsburgh heading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Malkin signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in May, giving him at least one more season with the only NHL organization he has known.
Whether it becomes his final year remains unsettled, although the three-time Stanley Cup champion has acknowledged that the end of his career is drawing closer.
Malkin Found Another Gear at 39
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 29: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins handles the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 29, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Malkin rebounded with 19 goals and 42 assists for 61 points in 56 games, averaging 1.09 points per game.
It marked his highest scoring rate since 2019-20 and the 16th time in 20 NHL seasons that he averaged at least one point per game.
That production helped convince Pittsburgh to keep the veteran around, and Malkin signed his one-year extension rather than test unrestricted free agency.
General manager Kyle Dubas credited the breaks Malkin received during the season for helping keep him effective. He missed 26 games because of injuries and a suspension.
“Every time he came back from being out, he played his best hockey,” Dubas said, via NHL.com.
An adjustment also appeared to help.
Malkin spent much of his career at center before shifting to right wing during the season. Dubas pointed toward that change as one factor in his resurgence, while Malkin said after the season that he would be comfortable staying on the wing if coach Dan Muse preferred it.
His continued presence also keeps one of hockey’s longest-running partnerships intact. Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang have spent two decades together and won Stanley Cups in 2009, 2016 and 2017.
Pittsburgh made its return to the postseason last year, so it’s not out of the ordinary for them to be right back in it, with a chance at the biggest prize.
Penguins Have to Find the Right Workload for Malkin
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 29: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins handles the puck against Cam York #8 of the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 29, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Whether Malkin can replicate last season’s pace over a longer schedule is up for debate.
NHL.com’s fantasy staff projects Malkin for 69 points in 2026-27, which would be excellent production at his age.
Reaching that mark could depend on how Pittsburgh manages him.
The time Malkin missed last season may have inadvertently helped keep him fresh. Asking the 40-year-old to maintain a point-per-game pace across the NHL’s new 84-game regular season presents a feat to achieve.
His role could also evolve. Moving away from center can lessen some of the defensive and faceoff responsibilities that come with playing down the middle, providing Malkin occasions to focus on creating offense.
Malkin ranks third in franchise history with 1,407 points, trailing only Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux. His 533 goals and 874 assists also place him among the most productive players of his generation.
His next season may be one to remember for his lengthy career because Malkin proved he can do the job, but the future doesn’t get easier.
Sustaining his level through a full campaign would give the Penguins quite the valuable weapon and defining player in franchise history.
Penguins Legend’s Production Question Mark Surfaced by NHL