The Pittsburgh Penguins were ousted in the first round of the NHL playoffs for the second consecutive season this year. The lack of overall success created questions surrounding the direction of the franchise. As recent as Monday, Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin had informed the team that he planned on testing the free agent waters.

Well, apparently that did not come to fruition. According to the NBC Sports writer Sean Leahy, the Penguins and Malkin have agreed to a four-year, $24.4 million contract extension. That will keep the future Hall of Fame winger in Pittsburgh through 2026.

It's obviously a big commitment from Pittsburgh to sign the 35-year-old to a four-year deal. After the news broke, Penguins general manager Ron Hextall explained the decision.

“Evgeni is a generational talent who will be remembered as one of the greatest players in NHL history,” Hextall said. “His hockey resume and individual accomplishments speak volumes about him as a player, and we are thrilled to watch him continue his remarkable legacy in Pittsburgh.”

Malkin played in just 41 games last season as he dealt with injuries. He notched 20 goals and 22 assists for 42 points. The Penguins center man has not played in more than 55 games since the 2018-2019 season. But whenever he is on the ice, Malkin is always productive.

The duo of Malkin and Sidney Crosby will likely go down in NHL history as one of the best tandems in league history. They have captured three Stanley Cup championships during their career together, including going back-to-back in 2016 and 2017.