A seismic shift is underway in Pittsburgh as the Penguins prepare to close the book on one of the most iconic eras in franchise history. News has broken that the team will not be offering Evgeni Malkin a new contract after this season, signaling the end of an era that has defined Penguins hockey for nearly two decades. This stunning decision has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning what the future holds for the team—and, more importantly, for Sidney Crosby.

With key figures like Jake Guentzel and Mike Sullivan already gone, and Malkin now set to depart, the Penguins appear poised for a dramatic rebuild that could reshape the organization from top to bottom. The uncertainty swirling around Crosby’s future only adds to the growing sense of instability, as speculation mounts about whether the legendary captain might also consider moving on in search of one last shot at playoff glory. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Penguins are entering uncharted territory, and the decisions made in the coming months will define the next chapter of Pittsburgh hockey.

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

We have a major development coming out of Pittsburgh involving star forward Evgeni Malkin.

According to information from Josh Yohe, a journalist with The Athletic and based in Pittsburgh, the Penguins no longer want Evgeni Malkin.

They do not want to offer him a new contract after the upcoming season, meaning it will be over for Malkin in Pittsburgh by next summer. Wow.

This is a surprising decision-one that’s unlikely to sit well with a certain Sidney Crosby.

It’s Over for Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh: Could Sidney Crosby Follow Him Out of Town?

That’s definitely a possibility.

The Penguins do not want to renew Evgeni Malkin’s contract.

Things are about to get wild in Pittsburgh.

It really seems like the Penguins are doing everything they can to disappoint Sidney Crosby and push him toward leaving.

Jake Guentzel is gone, Mike Sullivan is gone, Evgeni Malkin is officially on his way out, other key players are likely to follow soon, and the Penguins’ GM appears ready to tear everything down and begin what looks like a massive and painful rebuild.

I know Crosby is incredibly loyal to Pittsburgh, but I just can’t see him agreeing to finish his career under these conditions-potentially never playing another playoff game.

Thanks to the Montreal Canadiens, he could very well follow Malkin out of Pittsburgh and get one last shot at playing meaningful playoff hockey.