Penguins’ fans must brace for a reality they do not want to believe in after the 2026-27 season originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins made a miraculous run towards the Stanley Cup playoffs, but fell just short in the first round against the Philadelphia Flyers. It was not supposed to be as good as it was, but 2025-26 should be considered a success.
They got one very big bit of news already this offseason, with the return of Evgeni Malkin for one year at a $5.5 million AAV that is very bonus-heavy. But, there is something else that happened inside of that recent deal that should make every Penguins fan shed a tear.
The era of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang is unofficially coming to an end. Though no statements have been made as to whether the 2026-27 season would be it for any of the trio, there is a sense that it is heading that way.
Malkin seems like he is going to be the first to bow out, following this one-year deal. Which also contains a No-Movement Clause, meaning that he is locked in with the Pens for the duration of the 84-game season.
Crosby is currently playing in the World Championships for Team Canada. His two-year deal is set to expire at the end of this season, and he will turn 39 on August 7. He is still playing at a high level, but the vibe is that his monumental career is coming to an end now.
Letang is on the hook for two more seasons and just turned 39. He will likely play out the duration of that contract, and that could be it for him as the last man standing of this trio that brought three Stanley Cups to Pittsburgh.
These past 20-plus years of success from these three players should be celebrated and remembered if this upcoming season is the last ride.