This is what Evgeni Malkin is willing to do to block move out of Pittsburgh

The chatter surrounding Evgeni Malkin’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins continues to swirl, even as the veteran forward remains adamant he wants to stay right where he is.

According to Penguins insider Josh Yohe ofThe Athletic, Malkin is so committed to finishing his career in Pittsburgh that he would be willing to take a significant pay cut to make it happen.

“He’d be willing to take a pay cut from his annual $6.1 million salary and he doesn’t have interest in playing for any other franchise.”

That stance only adds to Malkin’s leverage. Earlier this month, insider Nick Kypreos reported that the Minnesota Wild could be exploring the idea of making a pitch to the Russian star in hopes of adding him for a playoff push. But any such move would face a major obstacle: Malkin’s full no-move clause, which gives him complete control over his future.

All signs point to Malkin having little interest in waiving that clause. If his willingness to accept a reduced salary is genuine, and if the Penguins are open to bringing him back on more team-friendly terms, Pittsburgh could very well remain his home beyond this season.

Malkin is currently in the final year of a four-year, $24.4 million contract ($6.1 million AAV) signed in July 2022. Despite missing time with an upper-body injury, the 37-year-old has been productive when healthy, recording 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) in 33 games. He returned to action earlier this month and continues to be an important piece of the Penguins’ lineup.

For now, Malkin’s message is clear: if staying in Pittsburgh means sacrificing money, he’s willing to do it.