Evgeni Malkin’s 20th NHL Season
Evgeni Malkin, a seasoned NHL veteran, is currently navigating the uncertainties of his 20th season in the league, unsure if this year will mark his final chapter with the Pittsburgh Penguins or if he will continue competing in hockey at all. Although he’s not ready to retire just yet, Malkin expressed his eagerness to make the most of the current season.
“I’m still hungry. I’m excited to be here this season,”
he stated during a press briefing. He added that his future in Pittsburgh largely hinges on his performance and the team’s success:
“If I play well and the team does too, why not aim for another season?”
Penguins’ Recent Struggles
The Penguins’ recent struggles loom over Malkin’s potential future with the franchise, as they haven’t reached the playoffs in the past three years. With new management under General Manager Kyle Dubas and rookie head coach Dan Muse, the team is shifting its focus toward younger players, which poses challenges for Malkin, who will turn 40 later this season. Notably, within the 2024-25 campaign, he recorded his most disappointing statistics, totaling merely 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games.
Loyalty to the Penguins
Despite concerns about his age and performance, Malkin wishes to stay loyal to the Penguins, a team with which he has shared significant victories, including three Stanley Cup championships alongside his close friends and teammates, Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang. He hopes to continue his legacy with the franchise, stating:
“I want to remain a Penguin, just like Sid and Tanger. I’m optimistic about the season and want us to perform well together.”
Future Uncertainties
However, Malkin may need to await clarity regarding his tenure with the Penguins as Dubas indicated that talks regarding a contract extension would likely not begin until the NHL’s Olympic break in February. In the meantime, Malkin is patiently focusing on improving and contributing to the team’s dynamics throughout the season, remarking:
“There’s plenty of time; training camp has just begun, and we have a long road ahead. My goal is to enhance my performance and help the team succeed.”
Trade Considerations
When discussing the possibility of waiving his no-trade clause, Malkin reflected on the mixed feelings surrounding trades, particularly referencing recent examples such as Brad Marchand’s move from Boston to Florida, which ultimately led to a championship. Although he recognizes the benefits some players have found in changing teams, Malkin remains unsure about what a potential trade would mean for him personally, saying:
“Everyone dreams of playoff success, but it’s a complicated situation when you think about being traded.”
Looking Ahead
With the Penguins under a new coaching regimen, Malkin must find a way to showcase his skills early in the season alongside superstar Crosby to help break the playoff drought. Additionally, he has not dismissed the idea of concluding his career in Russia if his time in North America comes to an end. Yet, the prospect of retirement is not on Malkin’s immediate agenda.
“If this turns out to be my last season, I can reflect on two decades of playing here, which isn’t too shabby. I have cherished my time in Pittsburgh and the victories we’ve celebrated. Given the chance, I would love to play another year.”
