The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to be without one of their key players for the near future. Team officials announced on December 9 that Evgeni Malkin has been officially placed on injured reserve. As a result, the future Hall of Famer will now miss at least the club’s next two games, but could be sidelined for additional time. Malkin is listed as week-to-week.
The 39-year-old veteran was last seen on the ice during a matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 4. An injury issue was not glaringly apparent on the night. In fact, Malkin managed to score two goals and add an assist in Pittsburgh’s victory. Nevertheless, the forward did register a TOI of just 14:58 during the game, his lowest figure since October 30.
Along with Malkin, the Penguins also placed fellow forward Blake Lizotte on injured reserve. In place of the duo, the team has recalled Danton Heinen and Sam Poulin from their AHL affiliate. Heinen, an NHL veteran, has posted an impressive 18 points in 12 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Poulin, 24, has played well for the team, grabbing 20 points in 21 matchups so far this season.
Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Recently Downplayed Evgeni Malkin’s Injury
GettyEvgeni Malkin was previously not expected to miss any games due to the injury.
The disappointing news regarding Malkin will likely shock many Penguins fans. After finishing the game against the Lightning, the forward had previously missed a team practice on December 6. Penguins head coach Dan Muse, however, downplayed the issue at the time. In fact, the coach even claimed that Malkin would likely play against the Dallas Stars the following day.
Muse met with reporters following the December 6 practice to discuss several team topics. The coach was specifically asked about why Malkin was not able to practice with his teammates. Muse responded to the question by claiming that it was just a “maintenance day” for the star.
The comment seemingly signified that Malkin had not suffered any significant injury, and he would be good to go to face the Stars. This would not be the case, though. The forward was unable to feature in the matchup, which ended with a shootout loss by the Penguins. Following the matchup, Muse claimed that Malkin was day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
Malkin Continues to be a Star Player for the Penguins
Malkin will undoubtedly be missed for Pittsburgh’s next few games. Despite his age, the star has essentially turned back the clock to be one of the team’s best players. In fact, Malkin currently leads the Penguins with 21 assists in 26 games. He is also second on the team, only behind Sidney Crosby, with 29 total points.
Overall, Malkin is averaging 1.12 points per game to start the 2025-26 season. At the moment, this is his highest tally in a campaign since the 2019-20 campaign. His current average of .81 assists per matchup would be the fourth-best mark in a season of his entire illustrious career.
Without one of their key players, the Penguins will now try to keep up in the standings. After a strong start to the season, Pittsburgh is now tied for fifth in the Eastern Conference. The team, however, has played fewer games than other clubs above them in the table. The Penguins will next face the Anaheim Ducks on December 9.
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