Who could the Penguins look to extend next after inking Evgeni Malkin to his new deal?
The Pittsburgh Penguins made a major move on Tuesday, signing star forward Evgeni Malkin to a one-year, $5.5 million contract extension. With this, Malkin will be playing a 21st season as a Penguin.
With the Penguins signing Malkin to this new deal, let's take a look at three more Penguins who could sign contract extensions next.
Egor Chinakhov
Egor Chinakhov is a prime extension candidate for the Penguins. The 25-year-old winger is a pending restricted free agent, and the Penguins should be looking to lock him up for a while. The 2020 first-round pick thrived after being traded to Pittsburgh this season, as he recorded 18 goals and 36 points in 43 games.
Ryan Shea
Ryan Shea had an excellent season for the Penguins. In 80 games this season with Pittsburgh, he set new career highs with six goals, 29 assists, 35 points, and a plus-30 rating. With how well the pending unrestricted free agent played this season, don't be surprised if Pittsburgh works hard to keep him around.
Anthony Mantha
Anthony Mantha is another player to keep an eye on. In 81 games this season with the Penguins, he set career highs with 33 goals, 31 assists, and 64 points. With this and Malkin staying around, maybe Pittsburgh will decide to circle back on Mantha before July 1.