The Pittsburgh Penguins head into the 2026 offseason feeling both encouraged and uneasy. On the one side, they exceeded expectations by finishing 41-25-16 with 98 points and returning to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2022. Their impressive turnaround even earned head coach Dan Muse a Jack Adams Award nomination.
But the way their season ended still stings. Pittsburgh battled back from a 3-0 series deficit against the Philadelphia Flyers before falling in a heartbreaking 1-0 overtime loss in Game 6. Now, President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas faces a crucial offseason filled with difficult contract decisions and a delicate balancing act between veteran loyalty and the team’s younger core.
Amid all of that uncertainty, Sidney Crosby may finally be on track to get his wish for 2026 after making his feelings on the situation crystal clear.
Sidney Crosby’s Wish Could Soon Manifest Into Reality
Crosby’s biggest hope is seeing Evgeni Malkin remain in Pittsburgh. The future of the longtime Penguins star has become the franchise’s biggest offseason storyline after the 39-year-old completed the final season of his four-year, $24.4 million contract, setting him up to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Even at 39, Malkin remained highly productive, posting 61 points in 56 games and scoring two key playoff goals. He has also repeatedly stated he wants to retire in Pittsburgh.
Sidney Crosby recently made his own feelings known while speaking with Josh Yohe of The Athletic. “I remember a few years ago when Geno was coming up on being a free agent. It went into July. Hopefully, there’s something that gets done here before that,” Crosby said.
“I’ve just always expected to be playing with him,” he added. “After talking with everyone at the end of the year, it felt like it was in a good place in terms of getting something done.”
Now, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun has provided a fresh update on negotiations between the Penguins and Malkin. “The Penguins have been engaged in contract talks with Malkin’s agent, J.P. Barry. Malkin turns 40 on July 31, so it’s no surprise both sides are focused on a one-year deal. But it’s finding the sweet spot on the compensation that has remained elusive so far,” LeBrun said.
Malkin carried a $6.1 million cap hit this season, though his actual salary was closer to $4.8 million because of the structure of his contract. LeBrun noted the Penguins are looking to negotiate closer to that lower figure, while Malkin’s camp is understandably aiming higher toward the full AAV.
“Because of Malkin’s age, the one-year deal could include bonuses, which would help massage the AAV. This will eventually get done. Malkin isn’t going anywhere. But it’s not done yet,” LeBrun reported.
Malkin is only one of several roster decisions Dubas must navigate this summer, although Pittsburgh has already shown a commitment to younger players by signing depth RFAs Connor Dewar and Ilya Solovyov to team-friendly deals.
For now, though, the biggest storyline remains Malkin’s future and whether Crosby will soon get the outcome he has been hoping for.
