Former teammate Tyler Kennedy made the prediction after Pittsburgh's first-round playoff exit, as Malkin, nearly 40, comes off a 61-point season in 56 games.
Kennedy said Malkin's close friendship with Alex Ovechkin could draw him to Washington, which is expected to have significant cap space and wants another top-six forward.
Malkin has repeatedly said he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, but the Penguins' rebuild and possible reduced role could complicate talks after his 20th season with the club.
With Crosby re-signed, is letting franchise icon Evgeni Malkin walk away the only path forward for the Penguins' future?
Could a Malkin and Ovechkin union in Washington finally fulfill a Russian dream or just be a superstar retirement tour?