"If it's my last year here, I had 20 years played here, — Evgeni Malkin makes it clear that he’ll retire as a Penguin

Evgeni Malkin, the 39-year-old forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, recently opened up about his future during training camp. As he heads into the last year of his four-year deal that he signed in July 2022, Malkin shared that he's not sure if the 2025-26 season will be his final one, but he made it clear that he wants to finish his career with the Penguins.

Evgeni Malkin ties his retirement decision to Pittsburgh Penguins season outcome

Evegni Malkin talked about his retirement openly, saying that his choice depends on how the season goes. "Depends how the season goes," Malkin said to reporters, as reported by SportsNet Pittsburgh's Dan Potash. "If we play great, I play great, I feel confident, I show my game, why not one more? Preseason is huge for the team and for me. I'm still hungry. I'm glad to be here this year. We have a new coach, a couple new teammates.

Exciting to see what's going on here this year."

He considered the idea that this might be his final season, pointing out, "If it's my last year here, I had 20 years played here. Not bad, too, you know? 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'm good,". In a similar vein, Malkin told reporters after training camp, "If this is my last year, I’ve had 20 years.

That’s not too bad, too. I’m glad to be a Penguin, win three Stanley Cups here,".He also voiced his unhappiness regarding the latest performances, mentioning, "I’m not happy with how I played the last couple of years. If it’s my last year here, I want to show everything," in comments to reporters at Penguins camp.

Evgeni Malkin makes clear he wants to finish his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins

Evegni Malkin has made it obvious that he’s loyal to the Penguins, strongly wishing to stick with the team for the rest of his playing days.

"I hope I stay here like (Sidney Crosby) and (Kris Letang). Penguins forever. For sure. I hope we play great, everything goes perfect, (and) perfect for myself too. I want to stay here for sure," Malkin said to DK Pittsburgh Sports' Taylor Haase.

He repeated this feeling, saying, "Like Sid, Tanger, Penguins forever, for sure. I hope we play great. I want to stay here, for sure," in discussions with reporters. Malkin also touched on the idea of playing in Russia but preferred Pittsburgh, saying, "It’s so hard to say.

I’ve been to Russia and people start talking about me playing one more year in my hometown," referring to Magnitogorsk.

How Evgeni Malkin views team trades after seeing Brad Marchand win the Stanley Cup

While he’s dedicated to Pittsburgh, Malkin recognized that a trade could happen since his no-move clause gives him the power to choose. He called it tough, saying, "It’s hard. Again, we see a story like with Brad Marchand. It’s looking good. But if (the) team trades you and you (don't) win the Cup, it's a little bit weird.”

He later added, “We'll see what's going on (in) the future. Of course, everybody wants to try to play the playoffs and make one more run to the Cup. It's a great story when you see it on TV, but I don't know how I'd feel if the team wants to trade me," he said. Malkin referenced Brad Marchand's trade from the Boston Bruins to the Florida Panthers, where Marchand won a Stanley Cup and signed a new contract, but noted the uncertainty if a Cup isn't won.Also Read: Sidney Crosby makes it clear the Pittsburgh Penguins will not fold for draft picks or headlinesEvgeni Malkin isn't committing to how much longer he'll play, but one thing's for sure: he wants his journey to wrap up in Pittsburgh. Whether this season is his final chapter or leads to another shot, Malkin is all about proving himself, going after another Cup, and remaining loyal to the only team he's ever been with.