Malkin longs to stay in Pittsburgh: Last season with the Penguins?

Evgeni Malkin Reflects on His NHL Future

Veteran Evgeni Malkin, with 20 seasons in the NHL, is not sure if this will be his last campaign, whether with the Pittsburgh Penguins or in the league. The only thing he can assure is that he is not ready to hang up his skates.

“I’m still hungry. I’m glad to be here this year,” Malkin told reporters on Friday. “It depends on how the season goes [if I stay in Pittsburgh]. If we play great, I play great, I feel confident and show my game, why not one more? The preseason is huge for the team and for me. We have a new coach and a couple of new teammates. It’s exciting to see what happens this year.”

Evgeni Malkin

Despite the Penguins’ recent problems, having failed to qualify for the postseason for three consecutive years, Malkin remains enthusiastic. With a new general manager, Kyle Dubas, and coach Dan Muse, the team seeks to rejuvenate, which is not great news for Malkin, whose performance has declined in the last two years. In the 2024-25 season, he recorded only 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games, his lowest production in a nearly complete season. Pittsburgh’s priority will be to highlight its young and promising players. Malkin, who has won three Stanley Cups with the Penguins alongside Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, wishes to continue his commitment to the team, especially due to his closeness with his teammates.

“I hope to stay here like Sid and Tanger, and be Penguins forever, for sure,” Malkin said when asked about playing elsewhere. “I hope we play great and everything goes perfect. Perfect for me too. I want to stay here, for sure.”

Evgeni Malkin

Malkin’s situation may not be clarified for several months. Dubas mentioned that he will meet with Malkin to discuss a possible extension around the NHL’s Olympic break in February. For now, there have been no other conversations about it, and Malkin is willing to wait.

“I think we have time,” Malkin said. “It’s a long season and training camp just started. We’ll see what happens. It’s a huge season for Kyle, for everyone here. We missed the playoffs the last three years; it’s not great. But again, now mentally, my focus is on improving every day. Staying here with the team and giving my best. And we’ll see”.

Evgeni Malkin

Regarding the possibility of waiving his no-trade clause to facilitate a trade, Malkin expressed mixed feelings. He mentioned the case of Brad Marchand, who was traded and then won the Cup, but did not want to speculate on his own situation.

“We see stories like Brad Marchand’s, which look good,” he said. “But, if a team trades you and you don’t win the Cup, it’s also a bit weird. We’ll see what happens in the future. But, of course, everyone wants to try to play in the playoffs and maybe have one more run for the Cup. It’s a great story when you see it on TV, but I don’t know how I would feel if the team wanted to trade me.”

Evgeni Malkin

Regardless of what the future holds, Malkin wants to see Pittsburgh regain its level this year. With Dan Muse replacing Mike Sullivan on the bench and Crosby leading the team, Malkin hopes the team improves. If Malkin manages to regain his level and be a key player, this could help Pittsburgh end their playoff drought. Otherwise, this could be Malkin’s last season with the Penguins, or even in the NHL. Malkin has also not ruled out the possibility of playing in Russia at the end of his career in North America. Malkin hopes that doesn’t happen soon. Whatever it is, he will be grateful for the time and success he has had with Pittsburgh.

“If it’s my last year here, I’ve played here for 20 years,” Malkin said. “That’s not bad either, you know? I’m happy to be a Penguin, I’m happy to have won three Stanley Cups here. If I have the opportunity to play next year, I will”.

Evgeni Malkin