Kris Letang contract details: What Penguins deal means for Evgeni Malkin

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed Kris Letang to a massive six-year deal on Thursday, keeping him with the organization for likely his entire career. What does it mean for Evgeni Malkin?

The contract will take Kris Letang into his age-40 season, likely meaning he’ll retire as a Penguin. While the $6 million+ price tag may look rough at that point, it’s well worth it to keep one of the best two-way defensemen in hockey around for the long-term.

Letang has played for the Penguins his entire career. He, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin formed one of the best trios in all of hockey. With Letang and Malkin hitting free agency this summer, the Pens were left with some important decisions to make.

Thus far, Pittsburgh has signed Letang and Bryan Rust to long-term contracts. Could Malkin be next?

Penguins: Evgeni Malkin wants to stay in Pittsburgh with Kris Letang

Malkin commented on the Penguins’ post announcing the contract, stating he hopes he doesn’t have to play against Letang next season and beyond.

On the Malkin contract front, the Pens reportedly don’t want to go beyond three years on any deal for their second-line center. Recent injuries to the 35-year-old make this a wise move for Pittsburgh’s front office, but it’s also not surprising that Malkin’s agent is playing hardball.

As much as Geno values Pittsburgh, he could likely get a fourth year or more elsewhere. Where the Pens may now have the edge is financial flexibility, given to them thanks to the lower AAV taken by players like Letang.