Sidney Crosby’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins largely depends on whether Evgeni Malkin decides to continue playing beyond next season. Malkin, turning 39 this July, is entering the final year of his contract and has yet to announce retirement plans.

Malkin’s potential retirement next summer could directly influence Crosby’s time with the Penguins, as sources close to Crosby have indicated that his commitment to the team is closely connected to Malkin’s presence.

Malkin’s Loyalty and Contract Status Add Uncertainty

Evgeni Malkin has expressed a strong desire to end his career in Pittsburgh. Speaking to The Athletic in February, he emphasized,

“When I retire, it’s here. This is my only team.”

Despite this, the Penguins have yet to make definitive plans about Malkin’s future beyond his current contract.

Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas has postponed major decisions, explaining the team’s plan to reassess Malkin’s status around the Olympic break and at the end of the season. Dubas said,

“I talked to Geno at the end of the year, after the year. I get it, it’s the last year of his contract, and it’s been a topic of discussion. We’ll meet at the Olympic break this year and see where Geno’s at, and meet at the end of the year.”

Sidney Crosby’s Contract and Performance Confirm Stability—for Now

Crosby remains under contract through the 2026-27 season after signing a two-year extension worth $17.4 million in 2024. Last season, he led the Penguins in scoring with 91 points over 80 regular-season games, maintaining his role as a key team leader.

Despite this stability, speculation about Crosby’s possible trade to the Montreal Canadiens has grown, fueled by insights from ESPN insider Greg Wyshynski. Wyshynski shared on The Jeff Marek Show that Crosby’s future with the Penguins is uncertain if Malkin retires. He stated,

“I’ve heard from many people that kind of know him and know that situation tell me he’s there as long as Geno’s there. So if Geno’s there for one more year — which it could entirely be that — then all bets are off as far as where Sid’s going to end up.”

Additionally, Wyshynski suggested a potential long-term destination for Crosby outside Pittsburgh, noting,

“I’ve long believed that Sidney Crosby will end his career in Montreal. If he’s gonna go anywhere and he’s gonna try to do something spectacular, (that’s) being part of the legacy and lineage of the Montreal Canadiens.”

Alex Ovechkin Comments on Hypothetical Trade Scenarios Involving Crosby and Malkin

Amid these discussions, Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin has also weighed in on the hypothetical possibility of a trade involving the Penguins’ star players. Although such a scenario remains speculative, it adds another dimension to ongoing debates about the team’s long-term roster decisions regarding Crosby and Malkin.

Future of Penguins Hinges on Malkin’s Decision and Franchise Planning

Ultimately, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ strategic direction and Sidney Crosby’s future with the franchise will depend heavily on Malkin’s retirement decision next season. The team’s management is taking a measured approach, waiting until later in the season to discuss Malkin’s status in depth. This approach reflects the intertwined careers of Crosby and Malkin, both critical to the Penguins’ identity and prospects.

How the Penguins handle Malkin’s potential retirement will likely shape the organization’s core makeup and could trigger significant changes for Crosby’s role or even his location in the NHL. Fans and analysts will be closely watching developments over the coming months as these key decisions approach.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. How many teeth did Sidney Crosby lose?

A. Sidney Crosby lost two of his front teeth, but his impressive goal still made the Penguins happy. Despite losing his teeth, Crosby wasn’t there to talk about his amazing one-handed goal, which helped the Pittsburgh Penguins secure their spot in the playoffs for the 11th year in a row.

Q. How did Sidney Crosby lose his teeth?

A. On March 30, Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik took a shot from the point. It bounced off another player and hit Mr. Crosby directly in the face.

Mr. Crosby, unaware of the shot coming, fell to the ice, losing teeth and bleeding. This scene was replayed many times afterward.