Evgeni Malkin turns 40 in July, but he remains a key player for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Now, he has made a statement about his future.
Together with Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby, Malkin has been part of the Penguins’ core for the past 20 years. The trio has won three Stanley Cups and established themselves as Penguins legends, all very likely to have their jerseys retired one day.
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Evgeni Malkin approaching 40
All three players are approaching 40—Malkin this year, and Letang and Crosby next year—but they continue to play at an elite level, keeping the Penguins on the right side of the playoff line. While Letang and Crosby have contracts through the 2026–2027 season, Malkin’s contract expires this summer. There has been much speculation about his next move: will he leave, return to Russia, or stay with the Penguins? Now, Malkin has answered those questions himself.
Revealed future plans
Speaking after the Penguins’ 7–2 win over the Colorado Avalanche, Malkin talked to reporters about his future:
“I can’t say anything. We (Malkin and Kyle Dubas) talked probably two weeks ago. He told me we would talk this summer. I’m OK with that. We have 15 games left; I hope playoffs. I just want to play. He asked if I wanted to play next year. I said yes. He said, ‘Don’t worry, we talk after the season.’ I’m OK with that. I feel great. I want to play next year, too. Maybe two years. Who knows? Again, it’s just business,” Malkin said.
Next up, the Penguins will face the Carolina Hurricanes.
You can watch Malkin’s postgame interview below.
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