Evgeni Malkin Speaks Out, Emphatically Pushes Back on Retirement Rumors

Evgeni Malkin doesn’t look or sound like a guy who’s ready to retire anytime soon. Rumors and reports have constantly suggested that the 2025–26 season could be the final ride for the future Hall of Famer, though he’s never once hinted at that being the case, and his play on the ice has also shown he still has plenty left in the tank as he approaches his forties.

That’s been on full display of late, as Malkin is coming off back-to-back multi-point performances in Calgary and Edmonton, continuing to be a driving force behind the surprising success of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who currently sit second in the Metropolitan Division.

When speaking to the media after their win on Thursday night, the subject of retirement came up, and Malkin didn’t waste any time pushing back on the idea, emphasizing his desire to play again next year.

Malkin said:

“I never say I want to retire, you know, it’s all you. But again, yeah, I feel great. I like how we play — it’s always fun to win. I think we have a great team. If we stay at the same level, we have a chance to win every game. I don’t know, it’s hard to say, but I hope you see. I mean, it’s not easy, but I try to do my best because I know I want to play one more year. I want to show I’m still a good player. I want everybody to see I can play next year. It’s my goal right now.”

The 39-year-old Malkin has looked fantastic this season, having racked up 39 points (12 goals, 27 assists) in just 35 games played. He’s, of course, a pending UFA in the fourth and final season of the four-year, $24.4 million extension signed with the Penguins in 2022.

The Penguins Should Absolutely Extend Evgeni Malkin

I mean, what else does he have to do? Producing at over a point per game as the second-leading scorer behind only Sidney Crosby on a team in playoff position — seems like a pretty easy decision for GM Kyle Dubas.