Possible Replacements for Evgeni Malkin if Penguins Move On – The Hockey Writers – Pittsburgh Penguins

Evgeni Malkin‘s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins is the biggest storyline surrounding the organization right now, as speculation continues to grow that the Penguins could explore a future without one of the franchise’s greatest players if contract negotiations stall or management decides it is time to transition into a new era.

Replacing Malkin is impossible. For nearly two decades, he has been one of the NHL’s elite centers, helping define a championship era of Penguins hockey alongside Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang. Even at this stage of his career, Malkin still provides offensive creativity, power-play production, and leadership that are difficult to replicate.

However, if Pittsburgh ultimately chooses a different direction, general manager Kyle Dubas will need to explore multiple avenues to help soften the blow offensively. Whether via trade, free agency, or a combination of both, the Penguins would need to add skill, scoring depth, and experience this offseason to remain competitive as Crosby continues to chase another Stanley Cup.

Jason Robertson Would Be the Home Run Swing

Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars has been connected to the Penguins in recent rumors. While there is no reason Dallas would seriously entertain moving Robertson, there is speculation that the Stars need cap flexibility, which has opened the door to the conversation.

If Pittsburgh wants to make a statement and maximize what remains of Crosby’s championship window, Robertson is the ideal target. He is the exact elite offensive winger the Penguins have lacked for years. He is capable of scoring 40 goals, driving offense at even strength, and producing consistently on the power play. At 26 years old, he would also help bridge the gap between Pittsburgh’s aging core and its next generation.

The biggest challenge, of course, would be the acquisition cost. The Penguins’ prospect pool and draft capital are not among the NHL’s strongest, meaning Dubas would likely need to move significant roster pieces to make a deal happen. Still, this type of aggressive move could redefine the organization’s future.

Rather than slowly fading into mediocrity following the eventual departures of Crosby and Malkin, acquiring Robertson would give the organization a legitimate star to build around moving forward. In the short term, he would fit perfectly alongside Crosby. His offensive instincts, finishing ability, and hockey IQ would likely thrive next to one of the greatest playmakers in NHL history. If Robertson becomes available, Pittsburgh must explore this option.

Alex Tuch Could Bring Needed Speed and Size

Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, is another good option. Unlike Robertson, Tuch would not replace Malkin’s pure offensive ceiling, but he could help reshape Pittsburgh’s identity. The Penguins have looked slower and easier to play against in the last couple of seasons, particularly during stretches where their forecheck disappeared entirely. Tuch would immediately add speed, size, physicality, and two-way reliability to the lineup.

At 6-foot-4, he brings the strength and size Pittsburgh has lacked throughout much of Crosby and Malkin’s era. He is a legitimate power forward capable of producing offensively while also playing a heavy game. Tuch consistently drives play north, attacks defenders off the rush, and creates scoring chances through puck pressure and as a net-front presence.

His versatility would also be valuable. He can play in all situations, contribute to both special teams, and move throughout the lineup depending on injuries or chemistry. Financially, Tuch’s has been seeking a contract north of $10 million. However, after recording 0 points in Round 2 of the 2026 Playoffs and falling in Game 7 to the Montreal Canadiens, teams might not be willing to pay that much.

That said, Tuch is the type of player Dubas would target as he attempts to make the Penguins younger and faster without fully committing to a rebuild. The front office has made it clear they still want to compete while Crosby remains elite, and adding players entering or already in their prime years aligns with that approach. Would Tuch replace Malkin’s offensive production? It would be close. But he would definitely help create a deeper, more balanced roster overall.

Claude Giroux Would Bring Veteran Stability

Another free agent option Dubas should consider is Claude Giroux of the Ottawa Senators. The former Philadelphia Flyers captain remains one of the NHL’s most respected veterans and continues to produce offensively despite being in the later stages of his career. While Giroux is no longer the dominant point-per-game player he once was, he still brings strong playmaking ability, leadership, and positional versatility.

From a fit standpoint, Giroux makes a lot of sense. He could slide into Pittsburgh’s top six, help stabilize the power play, and provide another high-IQ offensive player capable of keeping pace with Crosby. His experience and leadership would also help maintain the veteran culture that has defined the Penguins for years.

There is also a fun storyline here. Seeing a former Flyers captain join the Penguins would create headlines across the league. That said, Giroux alone would not be enough to replace Malkin’s overall impact. At this stage of his career, Giroux is more complementary than transformative. He would help improve the Penguins, but asking him to replicate Malkin’s offensive dominance is unrealistic. Still, as part of a larger offseason plan involving multiple additions, Giroux would be an effective short-term option.

Replacing Malkin’s Legacy May Be Impossible

The Penguins know replacing Malkin is about more than replacing production. It is about replacing one of the greatest players in franchise history. Malkin’s combination of size, skill, physicality, and offensive brilliance made him one of the NHL’s most unique superstars during his prime. Players with his blend of talent rarely become available, and Pittsburgh has benefited from having him for nearly two decades.

That is why the Penguins may ultimately need to approach this situation by committee. Instead of finding one replacement, they will need multiple players to collectively fill the void — adding a scoring winger, improving their depth, and becoming younger and faster overall.

Whether that means aggressively pursuing Robertson, targeting a complete player like Tuch, or adding veteran stability in Giroux, the Penguins have difficult decisions ahead. One thing is certain: if Malkin’s time in Pittsburgh is nearing its end, it will mark the closing chapter of one of the greatest eras in franchise history.