Evgeni Malkin Wants to Win, Even if Not With Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins are entering what could be the final year that their historic trio of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang play together. The longest tenured trio of teammates in the history of North American professional sports have won three championships together, but they are all approaching 40 years of age and the Penguins are in the middle of a rebuilding process that should extend beyond their playing careers.

Malkin is the first domino to fall for the Penguins. The Russian superstar and 2004 second overall pick is entering the last year of his contract in Pittsburgh. There’s a chance that the Pens extend him, but there’s just as likely a chance that they trade him during the season to give him another chance to contend for a championship. For Malkin, the most important thing is winning. He wants to do that in Pittsburgh, but he hasn’t ruled out playing elsewhere with his limited time remaining in the NHL.

”If it's my last year here, I had 20 years played here. Not bad, too, you know?" He told reporters at the team’s training camp session. "I'm glad to be with the Penguins. I'm glad to win three Stanley Cups here. But again, if I have a chance to play next year, I'll do it.”

Geno is like his teammates in that he’s expressed a desire to stay with the one organization he’s spent his entire career. Malkin also is aware that the NHL is a business that doesn’t always treat the humans involved as compassionately as we’d all like. That’s why he’s focused on enjoying the upcoming season and playing the best he possibly can. Hopefully, according to Malkin, everything goes perfectly and allows him to stay in Pittsburgh.