Sidney Crosby reportedly makes major decision on future with Penguins

There’s no doubt that Sidney Crosby remains a central figure for the Pittsburgh Penguins, making it crucial for the franchise to keep him on board in order to chase meaningful success. That said, questions still linger about what the near future holds for both Crosby and the team in the NHL.

According to recent reports, the team’s star has reportedly decided to stay in Pittsburgh for a while longer — at least until his longtime teammate Evgeni Malkin sees out the remainder of his contract with the franchise.

The news was shared by NHL insider Frank Seravalli, who reported the potential decision through his social media channels. One of the league’s biggest stars, Crosby’s choice could have major implications across the league.

“Sidney Crosby wants to remain a Penguin; there’s a strong belief that he wants to play out the tenure of Evgeni Malkin who’s entering the last year of his deal, and then could potentially could reevaluate where he’s at; there are 3 or 4 teams watching,” the reporter stated via SN 960.

Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins hugs Evgeni Malkin #71 during a pregame ceremony honoring Crosby for his 1000th NHL appearance prior to their game against the New York Islanders at PPG PAINTS Arena on February 20, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

What’s next for Evgeni Malkin?

Evgeni Malkin, the long-time cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is currently playing under a four-year, $24.4 million contract signed in July 2022. This deal carries an annual cap hit of $6.1 million and is set to expire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, at which point Geno would become an unrestricted free agent.

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However, recent reports from insider sources paint a clear picture: the Penguins are not expected to offer Malkin a contract extension beyond his current deal. This news, surfacing in mid-June 2025, signals a potential end to his storied career in Pittsburgh, a significant shift for a franchise that has been built around its core trio for nearly two decades.

While Malkin’s future beyond 2025-26 remains uncertain – with retirement or a move to another NHL team on the table – the immediate focus shifts to the upcoming season. The possibility of a trade before his contract runs out has also gained traction, especially if the Penguins find themselves out of the playoff picture, making Malkin’s final year in the Steel City a compelling storyline to watch.