Malkin to Provide Trade List to Penguins in February
The veteran center can approve a trade to three designated teams starting February 1 per his no-movement clause.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Hockey
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Should the Penguins prioritize trading a veteran star to rebuild rather than keeping him for loyalty?
Evgeni Malkin will be eligible to submit a list of three approved trade destinations to the Pittsburgh Penguins starting February 1. This development follows speculation regarding his future as the team assesses its season performance.
Why it matters
A potential trade could materialize if the Penguins' general manager chooses to move assets as the season progresses. The move would depend on both the team's standing and Malkin's required approval of any destination.
Evgeni Malkin is currently playing under a one-year, $5.5 million contract with performance bonuses of up to $3.5 million. He holds 11 points in 12 games, while the Penguins maintain a 5-6-2 record.
The players
Evgeni Malkin
He is a veteran center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who holds a full no-movement clause in his current contract.
Pittsburgh Penguins
This is a professional hockey team based in Pittsburgh that is currently navigating a 5-6-2 start to the season.
Darren Dreger
He is a sports broadcaster who suggested that Malkin could be involved in potential trade discussions.
The details
Malkin, who signed his current contract on May 26, possesses a full no-movement clause that requires his personal approval for any transaction. His status as an unrestricted free agent next summer adds further complexity to the team's strategic evaluation.
Timeline
May 26: Evgeni Malkin signed a one-year contract.
Thursday: Pittsburgh lost 4-3 to Utah.
January: Trade protection for Malkin is expected to narrow.
February 1: Malkin's three-team trade list becomes applicable.
Summer: Malkin becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Season Trajectory
The potential inclusion of Malkin in trade discussions reflects the broader pressure on the Penguins to adjust their roster given their 5-6-2 start. This move signals a possible shift in the team's commitment to its current core as they look toward future playoff contention.
For fantasy hockey managers, Malkin's trade status and his current 11-point production over 12 games remain key monitoring points for potential roster changes. A trade would fundamentally alter his role and deployment on a new team's power play and line rotations.
The takeaway
Players with no-movement clauses possess significant leverage in shaping their own professional paths during mid-season roster adjustments. Fans should monitor the team's win-loss record leading into February to gauge the likelihood of a major organizational pivot.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the team, visit the Pittsburgh Hockey section.
Live Poll
Should the Penguins prioritize trading a veteran star to rebuild rather than keeping him for loyalty?
