Evgeni Malkin didn’t just play on Thursday night, he made a statement. The Pittsburgh Penguins cruised to a 6-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers, picking up their third straight victory and moving into second place in the Metropolitan Division.
But the win was about more than just the standings. For Malkin, it was another chance to quiet the talk about his future by letting his game do the talking.
Evgeni Malkin Makes His Position Clear to Penguins Management
At 39 and playing the final year of his four-year, $24.4 million deal, Evgeni Malkin has been surrounded by trade talk and retirement rumors. With little movement from the Penguins on a new contract, many fans have begun to wonder if this could be his final season in Pittsburgh, or even his final stint in the NHL.
Malkin doesn’t seem interested in entertaining those questions. He recorded a goal and an assist against Edmonton after posting two points in his previous game against Calgary. With 39 points in 35 games this season, he’s making it clear he still has plenty to offer.
After the game, his message couldn’t have been clearer.
“I never say I want to retire. It’s all you,” Malkin said. “I feel great, and I like how we play. It’s always fun to win. I think we have a great team. We have a chance to win every game.”
When told he doesn’t skate like a player nearing the end, Malkin doubled down. “I don’t know. I hope you see it’s not easy, but I do my best,” he said. “I know I want to play one more year. I want to show I’m a good player. I want everybody to see I can play next year. It’s my goal right now.”
If Pittsburgh’s front office was looking for a message, Malkin delivered it loud and clear.
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A Lightning-Fast Start for Penguins
The Penguins came out flying, scoring three goals in just 37 seconds early in the first period. Anthony Mantha scored twice, with Sidney Crosby adding another to make it 3-0.
Jake Walman got one back short-handed. But Rickard Rakell restored the lead, and Malkin followed with a takeaway and breakaway goal. Egor Chinakhov added another in the third before Savoie closed out the 6-2 win.
Between the result, the standings, and his comments afterward, Malkin made one thing clear: retirement isn’t on his mind. If he keeps playing this way, Pittsburgh’s front office may soon have a big decision to make sooner rather than later.
