Malkin not ruling out playing beyond this season, his 21st with Penguins

CRANBERRY, Pa. -- Evgeni Malkin is entering his 21st NHL season, but it may not be his last.

The 40-year-old forward signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on May 26 to avoid becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and stay with the team that selected him in the first round (No. 2) of the 2004 NHL Draft.

At the end of last season, Malkin said he aimed to play one more year, even if it meant signing elsewhere. But on Friday, he wasn't ready to rule out retiring after the season. 

"I mean, it's a hard question," Malkin said. "We'll see what's going on during the season, you know? Right now, I want to say, 'Yes,' (to playing longer). But we'll see how my body feels. It's all about (that) I still love the game. It's why I'm here, like, 21 years. I love the game. I'm excited every shift, practice, battle. See guys around, you know, have fun. But again, most important, how your body feels.  

"I'm a person (that) if I don't feel like 100 percent, I'm not playing, you know? Because I want to be on my top level. I don't want to just spend time, just do nothing. It's not my game. If my game helps the team to win, I will. If not, I'm retired." 

Malkin had 61 points (19 goals, 42 assists) in 56 games last season, averaging at least a point per game for the first time since 2022-23 and helping Pittsburgh finish second in the Metropolitan Division to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs after missing the previous three seasons. 

The Penguins were eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers in six games of a best-of-7 series in the Eastern Conference First Round. At that time, Malkin said he was unsure if he would be brought back. 

"I know it's not easy for [general manager Kyle Dubas]," Malkin said on May 1. "Maybe he wants new blood here. I understand it's business, and I understand he wants maybe (a) new team, see new faces here. But for me, I want to play one more year in the NHL. I'm not looking (to go) back to KHL, play in Russia. But if not Pittsburgh, I hope some team."

The new contract was signed 25 days later. After the second day of training camp, Malkin said he was relieved it came together quickly. 

"You feel good," Malkin said. "You know you have one more year. Just try to be my best. I had injuries last year and just a little bit of recovery. I feel healthy." 

Since debuting on Oct. 18, 2006, Malkin has won the Stanley Cup three times (2009, 2016, 2017). He is third in Penguins history in points (1,407), goals (533) and assists (874), behind Sidney Crosby (1,761 points; 654 goals, 1,107 assists) and Mario Lemieux (1,723 points; 690 goals, 1,033 assists) in each category. 

Malkin won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2011-12, the Art Ross Trophy as points leader in 2008-09 and 2011-12, the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2009, the Ted Lindsay Award as the most outstanding player as voted by the NHLPA in 2011-12 and the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year in 2006-07. 

Crosby was in his second season when Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang joined him in 2006-07. When the Penguins open their regular season at the Flyers on Sept. 30, it will mark the start of their 21st season together, extending their record as the longest-tenured trio of teammates in the history of North American major professional sports.  

"It was great," Crosby said of Malkin's new contract on Tuesday. "He had a great year last year. I've been fortunate to play with him for so long. It's not something you take for granted, by any means. Just grateful I've been able to play with him for this long and really happy for him. 

"Like I said, he had an unbelievable year. It was great to see him be rewarded." 

No player in Pittsburgh pro sports history will have played more seasons than Crosby (22), Malkin (21) or Letang (21). Willie Stargell played 21 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1962-82. 

Malkin, who turned 40 on July 31, is the oldest of the three. Letang and Crosby are each 39. 

"Obviously, it would be kind of weird to see him in a different uniform," Letang said. "Like, you know, as your career kind of goes toward the end, you want to be able to still perform and earn a contract. And that's what he did. I'm just glad that he came back to us and, clearly, he was capable of helping a team win. So, you know, I'm glad it's with us." 

Malkin shifted from his normal spot at second-line center to right wing on the same line last season. He missed 26 games due to injury and suspension. Dubas has credited each for keeping Malkin fresh entering the playoffs. 

"(Dubas didn't) tell me anything. He just signed the contract," Malkin said. "I know my role here. I think he knows (that) I know. Again, it's the same. We talked a little bit. He says, 'We're excited for you to be here next year.' Like, he said, 'Team loves you. Team likes you.' Coaches, we have great coaching staff here. 

"I think, last year, I showed my good game. I'm excited to be here. Again, I'm here to win. I'm excited this year, next year. I'm still hungry."