Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin on future: ‘ I hope to stay here’
A legend of the game is looking to stay in the game for a little bit longer.
Prior to training camp, Pittsburgh Penguins team reporter Michelle Crechiolo sat down with forward Evgeni Malkin to discuss, among other things, his future as a Penguin.
When asked about whether this is going to be his last year with the team, Malkin expressed optimism while trying to stay focused on the present.
“It depends how the season is going,” Malkin said. “If we play great, I play great, I feel confidence, and I show my game, why not one more? The preseason is huge for the team, and for myself. I’m still hungry. I’m glad to be here this year. We have new coach, a couple new teammates. it’s exciting to see what’s going on this year.”
In terms of where he finishes his career in Pittsburgh or moves elsewhere, Malkin expressed his desire to stay with the Pens, but recognizes that things could change.
“(It depends on) what’s going on during season. If like, something happened. I hope not. I hope I stay here like [Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang] and be Penguins forever, for sure. I hope we play great, and I hope everything goes perfect. Perfect myself, too. I want to stay here.”
The Russian center is heading into the final year of his four-year deal with Pittsburgh, which has an AAV of $6.1 million and a full no-move clause. Malkin’s future with the organization, which took him second overall in the 2004 NHL Draft, has been a point of conversation for the past few years.
General manager Kyle Dubas told the media on Thursday that contract talks haven’t gone anywhere, but he has plans to chat with Malkin during the Olympic break in February.
Malkin admits there haven’t been any conversations, but acknowledges there’s plenty of runway to hash things out before next season.
“I think we have time. Long season and training camp just started. We will see what’s going on. Huge season for Kyle, for everybody here. We missed playoffs last three years, it’s not great. … My focus is on being better every day. Stay here with the team, and do my best. And we’ll see.”
No matter how things play out after the year is through, it goes without saying that Malkin has had a significant impact on the franchise in Western Pennsylvania and the NHL in general. In 19 seasons in Pittsburgh, he has scored 514 goals and 823 assists for 1,346 points in 1,213 games. He’s third in franchise history in most offensive categories, and second behind captain Sidney Crosby in games played.
“If it’s my last year here,” Malkin stated. “I have 20 years played here, that’s not bad too, you know? I’m glad to be a Penguin, I’m glad to win three Stanley Cups here. If I have the chance to play next year, I’ll do it.
Along with helping the Penguins win three Stanley Cups, taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2009, Malkin has won the Art Ross Trophy twice, the Ted Lindsay Award and the 2011-12 Hart Trophy.