Evgeni Malkin has no intentions of leaving the Pittsburgh Penguins, but that doesn't mean he isn't willing to think about other scenarios.
The Penguins forward knows that there are situations beyond his control but he can't see himself playing anywhere else.
“Sometimes you can imagine it – for example, if you win the Cup," Malkin said in an interview with RG. "But again, a lot depends on things I can’t control. We’ll talk after the season. There are many details. What if the team struggles or misses the playoffs, and big trades start? Of course, I don’t see myself in another jersey – not in Florida, not in Colorado, anywhere.
I’ve played my whole life in Pittsburgh. I love the fans, I love the city. I want to finish here. But there are always details. And of course, I want to fight for another Cup.”
Malkin is in the final year of a four-year contract with the Penguins, and he has spent his entire 20-year career with the franchise. During that time, he has accumulated 1369 points and won three Stanley Cups.
Despite a lot of success, the Penguins have missed the playoffs in three straight seasons, leaving little runway for Malkin, who is now 39 years old, to go on another Cup run.
"The last few years were tough," Malkin said. "We missed the playoffs and didn’t play our best hockey. Before this season, I told myself: if this is the last one, I just need to enjoy it. Not pay attention to negativity or the stories about trades. I come to practice and try to enjoy every day. If it ends up being my last season, it’s ok. If I play well and we agree on one or two more years, that would be great. I’ve accepted the situation and came into this year with a new mindset.”
Malkin and the Penguins have yet to discuss a new contract. General manager Kyle Dubas said a decision on that will be made later, possibly during the Olympic break.
“I think it’s too early to talk about it," Malkin said. "The season is long; there are many games ahead. We’ll see how I feel. I understand his concerns – he wants to see how I perform over a long stretch. Sometimes players start well for 20 games, then the scoring disappears. The main thing is to play well the whole season. Then we’ll talk – maybe in February, maybe after the season. I don’t want to worry about it. I just want to enjoy hockey.”
Malkin is off to a hot start as he has five goals and 18 assists through the first 19 games. Pittsburgh is also sitting third in the Metropolitan at 10-5-4.
