How Evgeni Malkin’s new contract with Penguins can be worth $9 million with incentives originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Evgeni Malkin isn’t going anywhere.
That’s the big headline for the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, with the team announcing the news on Tuesday afternoon.
Malkin’s contract was up at the end of the season, but while he was due for free agency, he won’t get there.
Instead, he’s back with the only team he’s ever played for in the NHL for another season.
ANOTHER YEAR OF MALKAMANIA đ„
â Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 26, 2026
Malkin has won three Stanley Cups with the Penguins and played 20 seasons for Pittsburgh.
He has played 1,269 games while scoring 533 goals, dishing out 874 assists and totaling 1,407 points — he ranks third in franchise history in goals, assists and points, and second in games played.
The deal is worth $5.5 million in base value, but it can rise.
Best day ever. pic.twitter.com/qiqShuCEyH
â Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 26, 2026
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Incentives in Evgeni Malkin’s new contract
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared on social media that Malkin’s contract can be worth as much as $9 million. That comes because of $3.5 million in possible incentives.
There’s a $500,000 bonus in the contract for games played, although Friedman doesn’t specify the amount of games needed.
Malkin would get $1 million if the Penguins qualify for the playoffs.
And each round win in the playoffs would be $500,000, with a possible four rounds adding up to $2 million.
So it’s already a solid payday for Malkin, and the incentives could raise it even higher.