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Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Longtime Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin receives high praise from GM

By Jackson Weber | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 10:50 AM ET

There may not be a more underappreciated player over the last 25 years in the NHL than Pittsburgh Penguins superstar center Evgeni Malkin.

The 39-year-old has been in the shadow of fellow superstar center Sidney Crosby throughout his career in the Steel City. Crosby, deservedly so, has been the center of attention and focus of the hockey world on his journey to becoming one of the all-time greats.

On the flip side, Malkin has undeservedly been overlooked because of his teammates' brilliance. Not being a part of the NHL’s top 100 players list back in 2017 stands out above them all.

Despite that, one who won't stand for it is his current general manager, Kyle Dubas, who had quite the take he shared on "The Cam & Strick Podcast" earlier this week.

"Yeah, he’s probably the most underrated player, maybe to ever play," Dubas said. "Just because of the fact that he has always been a little bit in the shadow of Sid. But, at his best, one of, if not the best, players in the league. And he’s won everything you can win. Way more competitive, even at his age, than I think most people would ever give him credit for. He gets talked about the least, and he probably prefers it that way, but it’s been special to be around."

Kyle Dubas had high praise for Evgeni Malkin, saying he is the “most underrated player maybe to ever play”

(via @CamandStrick) pic.twitter.com/vjXuCRB69K
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) August 12, 2025

Some may find Dubas' comments to be a stretch, but they aren't in the slightest. Like Crosby, Malkin is one of the greatest hockey players of all time, and the stats and accolades back it up in a big way.

Malkin's 514 goals and 832 assists give him 1,346 career points through just 1,213 games played, ranking 31st among all players in league history.

On an even more impressive note, he's racked up 15 seasons of producing at a point per game, demonstrating his consistent dominance every year. Only Crosby (20 seasons), longtime Oilers and Kings superstar center Wayne Gretzky (18 seasons) and Red Wings superstar right winger Gordie Howe (17 seasons) have done it more than Malkin.

Along with all of the numbers and individual awards, the Russian superstar has elevated his play on the biggest stage when the pressure was at its highest.

Malkin was a centerpiece in the Penguins' three Stanley Cup championships (2008-09, 2015-16, 2016-17) over nine years, taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in the first victory. His postseason production isn't too shabby, either, with 67 goals and 113 assists for 180 points in 177 games for the 15th-best playoff numbers of all time.

While Dubas said Malkin may prefer not being talked about, he deserves to be recognized for his excellence. As he heads into Year 20 and potentially his last in the NHL, fans should cherish every time Malkin steps onto the ice to provide a few more signature moments.

Jackson Weber

Jackson Weber is a sports writer with a BComm in Business and Sport Management from the University of Guelph. While he has focused primarily on NHL coverage in recent years, he brings strong knowledge and passion for the NFL, MLB, and NBA. Following all four major leagues year-round, Jackson delivers honest, opinion-driven stories on the biggest topics in sports

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