The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Tuesday that veteran center Evgeni Malkin has been placed on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury. The decision sidelines the 39-year-old forward indefinitely as the team continues its 2025–26 NHL campaign.
Malkin, a cornerstone of the Penguins for nearly two decades, has been a key contributor throughout his career in Pittsburgh. Since being drafted second overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, he has won three Stanley Cups with the team and has earned recognition as one of the league’s premier playmakers. His absence presents a significant challenge for the Penguins, who rely on his experience and skill at both ends of the ice.
The team has not provided a detailed timeline for Malkin’s return, nor has it disclosed the nature or severity of the injury beyond classifying it as affecting the upper body. NHL rules require a player designated to injured reserve to miss a minimum of seven days, but recovery times can vary widely depending on the condition.
Malkin has been a mainstay on the team’s second line and is frequently featured on the power play. His production this season had reflected his continued value to the team, contributing both scoring and leadership to a roster balancing veteran talent with emerging players.
With Malkin out of the lineup, the Penguins will likely need to adjust lines and look to other centers, potentially expanding roles for younger players or increased ice time for current roster members. Head coach Mike Sullivan and his staff must navigate this stretch carefully as they manage the team’s pursuit of a playoff spot in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Further updates on Malkin’s status will be provided by the team as they become available.
