Malkin, Penguins still plan to talk extension — The Fourth Period
The Pittsburgh Penguins and veteran star Evgeni Malkin planned on chatting during the Winter Olympic break and discuss a new contract for next season. So far, those discussions haven’t happened yet, but the two sides are still on track to do so before the NHL season resumes next week.
Malkin, 39, is in the final year of a four-year, $24.4 million contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
He has voiced his desire to play again next season with the Penguins, and a plan to discuss an extension remains in place, according to TFP’s David Pagnotta.
On Wednesday’s episode of the DFO Rundown Insider Edition with Irfaan Gaffar, Pagnotta reported that while talks have not yet occurred, the two sides are still set to speak this month.
“The plan was for Kyle Dubas and J.P. Barry, the agent for Geno Malkin, to sit down over the course of the Olympics and have a conversation and discuss what an extension could possibly look like between the two. What I can tell you is as of today they haven’t had those talks yet but they’re still planning to,” Pagnotta explained. “So, at some point between now and next week – or I guess the weekend when the Olympics end – they’re expected to have a conversation to decide the next steps for Geno’s career.
“We know that Geno Malkin wants to play, he wants to keep going, he feels he can and he’s open to a one-year extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins. I believe the Pens are open to that as well, based on how this season has gone.”
Last month, Josh Yohe of The Athletic reported that Malkin would be open to a pay cut from the $6.1 million AAV he’s earning this season and Pagnotta noted his next deal could be around $5 million.
“The plan remains in place for the Penguins and Malkin’s camp to have a conversation before they get back to game action next week to determine can they agree on an extension or can they agree towards a pathway and they’ll finalize things once the season is done,” Pagnotta said. “One way or another, they’re gonna have a lot of clarity on Malkin’s future going into next week once games resume.”
In 41 games with the Penguins so far this season, Malkin has registered 13 goals and 31 assists for 44 points.
