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Penguins Star Responds to Rumors About NHL Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 6:15 AM ET

Pittsburgh Penguins icon Evgeni Malkin has no plans to play anywhere other than the only American city he's played at.

The longtime Penguins center made that and his retirement plans clear in an interview with The Athletic’s Rob Rossi, shutting down speculation about finishing his career in Russia and announcing he won't retire after this season.

“I not retire,” Malkin said. “I know what some people say—like, I go back to Russia and play for my home team. But I never say it, you know?

“I retire with Pittsburgh. The Penguins are my team. I love this team. When I retire it’s here.”

Malkin, 38, has spent his entire 19-year NHL career with the Penguins, winning three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017) and cementing himself as one of the greatest players in franchise history.

He ranks third in Pittsburgh’s all-time scoring list with 1,330 points in 1,192 games, trailing only teammate Sidney Crosby (1,654) and Mario Lemieux (1,723).

While Malkin ruled out a full-time return to Russia once his current contract ends in July 2027, Malkin left open the possibility of playing one final game for his hometown club, Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

“Maybe one game for home team in Russia. Just one to say goodbye,” Malkin said.

Evgeni Malkin's knee bends awkwardly on this collision with Stephenson. pic.twitter.com/3dd3P4pUZH
— SasquatchNHL (@SasquatchNHL) January 25, 2025

Malkin also told The Athletic that he's ready to make a return from the lower-body injury that sidelined him for six straight games entering the 4 Nations Face-Off break, confirming he will be back in the lineup on Saturday against the Washington Capitals.

“I’m not feeling much pain,” Malkin said. “When your knee, what I’ve done before, you always think bad things.”

Pittsburgh sits six points outside a wild-card spot carrying a 23-25-9 record into the final stretch of the regular season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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