Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said at Thursday’s season-opening press conference that there has been no change regarding Evgeni Malkin status and that the team will meet with the forward during the Olympic break to further discuss his contract and playing future.

“He’s in a great mood every day. No change on contract front. The Olympic Break provides a key opportunity to figure out where we’re at but I expect him to have a great season,” Dubas said Thursday morning.

#Pens Dubas on Malkin: He’s in a great mood every day. No change on contract front. The Olympic Break provides a key opportunity to figure out where we’re at but I expect him to have a great season

— Josh Getzoff (@JG_PxP) September 18, 2025

Malkin, 39, is entering the final year of a four-year, $24 million contract that carries a cap hit of $6.1 million. The deal also comes with a full no-movement clause.

The Magnitogorsk, Russia native has played 1,213 NHL games since being drafted by the Penguins 2nd overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, scoring 514 goals and adding 832 assists for 1,346 points across 19 seasons.

He is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, two-time Art Ross Troophy winner (2008-09, 2011-12), Hart Trophy winner (2011-12) and Conn Smythe winner (2008-09).

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The Penguins finished last season with a 34-36-12 record, missing the playoffs for the third-straight season. Despite the difficult stretch, Dubas believes the team in on a path back to contention.

“We are definitely on the path back to being a ocntending team,” Dubas said. “I continue to use urgency. Our push is to get back there as soon as we can.”

Dubas also addressed the recent comments from captain Sidney Crosby and agent Pat Brisson regarding a possible future trade, saying his job of doing what’s best for the Pittsburgh Penguins remains unchanged.

Crosby on his future with the Penguins: ‘This is where I want to be. I love it here’ Penguins captain Sidney Crosby spoke about rumours and speculation regarding his future with the Penguins on Monday. This will be Crosby’s 21st season in the NHL and he’s entering the first year of a two-year $17.4 million dollar deal.

“We can’t alter the course we’re on because of what different meida members may want, where they may want to see Sid play. We have to focus on doing what’s right for the Pittsburgh Penguins and regardless of any sort of commentary and things that are said in the media, we can’t change that.”

Dubas also updated the status of forward Rutger McGroarty, stating he will be out indefinitely with an upper-body injury.

“It’s going to be a little more of an indefinite timeline because of his age and the potential he has, just have to be very patient with Rutger on that one,” said Dubas.