Evgeni Malkin Breaks His Silence on Shocking Penguins Trade Rumors
The Penguins veteran, Evgeni Malkin, is not happy one bit with all of the trade rumors going around that involve his name, and he made his feelings known.
Evgeni Malkin is staying put; he's not leaving. The veteran Penguins winger is tired of having to say it again and again and has once again reaffirmed that he'll retire with the team.
If he ever wears the jersey of his hometown club in Russia, Malkin said it would be a one-game farewell with Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL.
"I know what some people say - like, I go back to Russia and play for my home team," Malkin told The Athletic's Rob Rossi on Wednesday. "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."
"When I retire, it's here."
With one year left on his contract at a $6.1 million cap hit, Malkin has not yet decided if he will retire when it expires in 2026. His long-time teammates, Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, are signed through 2027 and 2028, respectively.
This year, Malkin has nine goals and 34 points in 47 games. During his 19-year NHL career, all with Pittsburgh, he is third in franchise history in goals (507), assists (823), and points (1,330), and second in games played (1,192).
He's a three-time Stanley Cup champion and would love to claim a fourth before hanging up the skates.
But the Penguins have not appeared in the playoffs the last two years and trail a wild-card spot by six points at 23-25-9. While GM Kyle Dubas considers a retooling window, Malkin is steadfast; he will not be traded.
Malkin sat out six games with a lower-body injury but assured he'll play Saturday when Pittsburgh welcomes the Washington Capitals and the Great 8, Alex Ovechkin.
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