Sidney Crosby sends clear message to Penguins: Bring back Evgeni Malkin despite disappointing playoff finish
The Pittsburgh Penguins face a defining offseason after a first-round playoff exit against the Philadelphia Flyers ended the "Big Three's" 2025-26 campaign. Evgeni Malkin, set to become an unrestricted free agent, will turn 40 before next season. Sidney Crosby has publicly voiced his desire for the trio to continue, but president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas faces a more complicated decision. With the Penguins having won just one playoff series since 2018 and missing the postseason three straight years before this season, the Malkin question is only the beginning of a longer rebuild conversation in Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Penguins face a defining offseason after a first-round playoff exit against the Philadelphia Flyers ended the "Big Three's" 2025-26 campaign. Evgeni Malkin, set to become an unrestricted free agent, will turn 40 before next season. Sidney Crosby has publicly voiced his desire for the trio to continue, but president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas faces a more complicated decision. With the Penguins having won just one playoff series since 2018 and missing the postseason three straight years before this season, the Malkin question is only the beginning of a longer rebuild conversation in Pittsburgh.
