Report suggests 2024-25 may be Evgeni Malkin's last season in the NHL

It could be the end of an era in Pittsburgh following the 2024-25 season with the potential departure of long-time forward Evgeni Malkin, according to Mark Madden of Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

On his radio show 'Madden Monday', Mark Madden was discussing Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby and his new contract extension which may be signed on Wednesday, he went on to drop a bit of a bombshell regarding another forward - Evgeni Malkin.

Madden said that he's been told Evgeni Malkin won't be back with the Pittsburgh Penguins following the 2024-25 season and will head back to Russia, forgoing the final year of his contract.

Last fall before the start of the season, Malkin said to NHL.com's Wes Crosby that he's aiming to play three more seasons in the National Hockey League - 2023-24, 2024-25 & 2025-26, before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. If Madden's source happens to be correct, it'll be interesting to see why Malkin would give up on the final year of his contact, that comes with a cap hit of $6.1 million, to go back to Russia and likely play in the KHL.

It's going to be a big season ahead for Evgeni Malkin and the Pittsburgh Penguins as they look to avoid missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a third year in a row, something the organization hasn't done 2002 to 2006.

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
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