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Evgeni Malkin Opens Up on Playing Future Amidst Torrid Start to Season
In the final year of his contract with the Penguins, Evgeni Malkin made some comments about his future playing in the NHL.
There may not be a better story in the NHL thus far than the surprise start of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Entering the year with expectations to be in the mix for Gavin McKenna, the Pens have pushed back on those projecting their demise, currently sitting in third in the Metropolitan Division through their first 17 games under new head coach Dan Muse.
The Penguins are, of course, still led by franchise icons Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who continue to produce at elite levels into their late thirties.
Malkin has been particularly good, having already racked up 21 points (three, 18 assists), so has that changed anything when it comes to his playing future? Team reporter Dan Kingerski shared some of Malkin’s comments on the topic from Wednesday.
Malkin said:
“I mean, I’m not trying to think about a new contract, like maybe one more year. I told you before the season, I want to be happy. I want to just play my game, not too much, and just enjoy it every day. Enjoy hockey. Right now, I’m just enjoying it every day, you know, come to the rink, and try to do my best.”
The 39-year-old is currently playing out the final season of the four-year, $24.4 million contract extension he signed to stay in Pittsburgh back in 2022.
Malkin Has Lots Left In The Tank
While the two previous seasons saw Malkin’s production drop from his usual point-per-game standards, this year has been vintage Geno.
Malkin has looked spry and rejuvenated, making plays all over the ice the way fans have been accustomed to watching for the last 20 years.
A revolving door of linemates and inconsistent power play opportunities hurt his numbers in recent years, so now, with Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau on his wings, and a return to being a staple on PP1, Malkin has popped.
There’s no doubt it will be difficult to maintain this production for a full 82-game season, but if there’s anything we should know, don’t count out the all-time greats, no matter their age.
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