The new NHL season is barely underway, but chaos has already arrived. Injuries are piling up faster than expected, and several contenders are scrambling for solutions before October’s even halfway done. The rumor mill is already humming at full speed.
Could a Veteran Lifeline Steady the NHL Champs?
And right in the middle of it is Pittsburgh Penguins’ veteran Evgeni Malkin.
The 39-year-old isn’t just keeping up; he’s shining. Five points in two games, including a three-assist night against the Islanders, have reminded everyone why he’s one of the greats. He’s playing loose, confident, and a little bit vintage, and suddenly, teams are watching closely.
Malkin’s assist on the Brazeau goal was his third point of the night and fifth in two games. He’s on pace for a 205-point season, which is pretty good for a 39-year-old.
— Dave Molinari (@MolinariPGH) October 10, 2025
But it’s not just his play that’s creating buzz. It’s where he might be headed next.
The Florida Panthers have hit an early snag. With captain Aleksander Barkov sidelined for months after knee surgery, the defending Stanley Cup champions suddenly find themselves without their backbone at center. Add in Matthew Tkachuk’s long-term absence, and Florida’s forward depth looks dangerously thin.
That’s where Malkin’s name enters the chat. On “Halford & Brough,” ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski floated the idea of the Penguins legend heading south:
“The growing narrative in the league right now with Barkov going out and Malkin having a house in Miami, that they’ll probably find a way for him to be the 1C in Florida before too long.”
The connection makes sense. Malkin already spends part of the year in South Florida and shares a strong friendship with goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. From both a chemistry and lifestyle angle, it fits.
And with Sam Reinhart giving fans a brief injury scare earlier this week (thankfully minor), the Panthers can’t afford to risk another hole down the middle. Bringing in a three-time Cup champion with over 1,300 career points could stabilize things and keep Florida’s title defense alive.
Malkin does have a modified no-trade clause, but reports suggest he hasn’t ruled anything out, especially if it means chasing one last Stanley Cup.
Evgeni Malkin Still Has Bite at 39
If Thursday’s game was any proof, Malkin isn’t slowing down. Against the Islanders, he set up a pair of goals with surgical precision, including a perfect stretch pass that led to Justin Brazeau’s third tally in two nights.
After the win, he shrugged off the performance the way only Malkin can, saying, “Not a pretty game tonight. I think we can play better, but we love to win.”
With 514 goals and 1,351 points to his name, the numbers speak loudly. And this season, he looks sharper than he has in years, skating freely, dictating play, and dominating the power play.
Pittsburgh may be 2-0, but the future looms large. If the team falters or begins to lean toward a rebuild, Malkin’s expiring deal suddenly becomes a valuable trade chip.
Meanwhile, Florida could open up nearly $10 million in LTIR space with Barkov’s injury. Malkin’s $6.1 million cap hit would slide in neatly, making the math and the story work.
If this is the last chapter of Malkin’s legendary career, a playoff run in Florida might be the perfect setting. He’s still producing, still battling, and clearly, nowhere near finished.