Rumors emerge claiming Evgeni Malkin will be leaving NHL sooner than expected

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Daniel Lucente
August 6, 2024 (7:26 PM)

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Evgeni Malkin's time with the Pittsburgh Penguins appears to be coming to an end a lot sooner than anyone had imagined, as he has plans to return to Russia.

Mark Madden hosts a sports show in the city of Pittsburgh, and has recently revealed that the core of the Pittsburgh Penguins could be changing very quickly right after the current upcoming season if not even sooner, perhaps halfway through the season.

Rumors have been circulating that Evgeni Malkin has no plans anymore to retire in the NHL with the Penguins, as he wants to go back home to Russia and finish off his professional career there.

There have also been other sources leaking info around the league that Kris Letang has been having discussions with Montreal in an attempt to possibly end off his career in his home province of Quebec, with the Canadiens.

Then there is also the fact that Sidney Crosby has yet to sign a contract extension with the Penguins, and we are only a couple of days away from it being the latest ever date in his career where he has not signed a contract extension when he only has one year remaining. All this to say, the Penguins could have a whole new roster look by this time next year.

«I've been told (Malkin) won't be back after this year � that he'll go to Russia and forgo the last year of his deal,» Madden said. «How does that impact Sid? Does Sid know? I bet he does. And I heard there were discussions about trying to get Letang to Montreal at Letang's request, but nothing came of that. So I don't know where this is headed.»

Evgeni Malkin has played his entire NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins since he started in the 2006-07 season. During his incredible 18 seasons with the team, he has scored an astounding 498 goals, only 2 shy of the elusive 500-club, and added 798 assists, also two shy of the 800-club. That puts him only four points away from 1300.

At 38 years old, #LetsGoPens center Evgeni Malkin has put together a HOF-worthy career, even if he hasn't gotten the recognition he deserves.

Here are eight times he reminded everyone he was still around - and still great:

#NHL @TheHockeyNews #THN

Malkin will no doubt begin the season in Pittsburgh, but should GM Kyle Dubas feel that contract talks are going nowhere and it appears more and more likely that Malkin will want to go back to Russia, it wouldn't be surprising to see him traded to a contending team by the trade deadline should the Penguins not be in a playoff spot.

Source:
Hockey Patrol on X

Source: HockeyDB
Evgeni Malkin Stats