When the Pittsburgh Penguins were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs in seven games, it may have signaled the end of a significant era. Many of the team’s most recognizable players are pending unrestricted free agents, including Russian superstar Evgeni Malkin. When speaking to the media Tuesday in his end-of-year press conference, Malkin made his desire to stay in Pittsburgh very clear.
"I love this city and I love these fans so much. If this team wants new blood and young guys and they say to me to move on, we will see… I believe in my agent and I trust him. I want to stay here. I want to play in the NHL… I hope I stay here. I hope I retire here."
The 35-year-old Malkin explained that he wants to play three or four more years in the NHL and was effusive in praising fellow Penguins legends Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, the latter of whom is also a free agent this summer. Malkin has spent his entire career to this point in Pittsburgh, a career that includes 981 regular-season games, 1,146 points, a Calder trophy, Hart trophy, two Art Ross trophies, a Conn Smythe and three Stanley Cup championships. Calling it his “second hometown” he is hoping that the two sides can come to an agreement on a new contract.
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