Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is downplaying Evgeni Malkin’s potential for a historic 2025-26 season, citing concerns about workload management despite calling the forward “one of the greats of all time.” Dubas emphasized the importance of rest and role adjustments for Malkin, who is entering contract negotiations after another standout campaign.
Malkin, 37, finished the 2025 regular season with 77 points in 82 games, maintaining a point-per-game pace for the first time in his NHL career. His performance helped the Penguins secure a playoff berth, and he played a key role in their first-round series against the New York Rangers. But Dubas made it clear that Malkin’s success was partly due to strategic breaks and a shift in responsibilities.
“I mean, he’s a special player,” Dubas said during a recent media session. “To me, the key thing this year was that he started off the year excellent. He had a newfound energy. He got hurt in December and came back in a great spot. Unfortunately, the suspension happened, and when he returned from that, he came back with renewed energy.”
Dubas compared Malkin to Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, noting that both players possess physical traits that allow them to handle heavier workloads. “I think those two are in a different bucket in terms of their bodies,” Dubas said. “Geno is built differently.”
The Penguins also adjusted Malkin’s role, shifting him from center to the wing following a December injury. During that stretch, he formed strong chemistry with linemates Tommy Novak and Igor Chinnikov. Dubas believes this move reduced some of the physical and mental demands on Malkin.
Malkin’s production this season included a career-high 38 goals and 39 assists. His plus-22 rating ranked among the top 10 in the league, and he averaged 21:34 of ice time per game, down from 23:10 last season.
Dubas hinted that load management could play a major role in Malkin’s contract and future role. “I think all of those factors play into him having the season that he did,” Dubas said. The Penguins will now enter contract talks with the expectation that Malkin may not play all 82 games or return to center ice.
The Penguins and Malkin’s camp are expected to meet in early June to finalize contract terms. With the 2026 NHL Draft approaching and a playoff push on the horizon, the team’s decisions on Malkin will shape their future for years to come.
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