Evgeni Malkin says he plans to retire with Penguins — but not quite yet
Evgeni Malkin isn’t ready to hang up his skates just yet. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ Russian superstar dispelled any notion of this being his final season on Wednesday while adding that when the time does come, he plans to wrap his career in Pittsburgh.
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Evgeni Malkin isn’t ready to hang up his skates just yet.
The Pittsburgh Penguins‘ Russian superstar dispelled any notion of this being his final season on Wednesday while adding that when the time does come, he plans to wrap his career in Pittsburgh.
“I not retire,” Malkin told The Athletic. “I know what some people say — like, I go back to Russia and play for my home team. But I never say it, you know?
“I retire with Pittsburgh. The Penguins are my team. I love this team. When I retire it’s here.”
The 38-year-old also said he would suit up in the Penguins’ first game after the 4 Nations break against Washington on Saturday after missing the previous six and 10 of the past 16 with a lower-body injury.
“Oh yeah, 100 per cent,” he told reporters.
Malkin has spent his entire 19-year career with the Penguins after being selected second overall in the 2004 draft.
He’s won three Stanley Cups with the organization in addition to a Hart Trophy, Calder Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy and two Art Ross Trophies.
Over 1,192 games with the Penguins, Malkin owns 507 goals and 823 points.
Malkin along with Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang are the longest-tenured trio of teammates in the history of professional sports, having played together for the entirety of Malkin’s career.
But the Penguins (23-25-9) appear headed for a third straight season without a post-season appearance, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference with 55 points in 57 games.
Malkin’s play has also tailed off some as he accounts for nine goals and 25 assists in 47 contests on the year.
