Dan Muse responds to the speculation surrounding Evgeni Malkin's health

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Daniel Lucente
January 29, 2026 (1:15 PM)

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Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

When Evgeni Malkin was separated from the main group during Monday's battle drills, the collective heart rate of Pittsburgh dropped through the floor.

We have seen this movie before.

A veteran star takes a maintenance day, and suddenly he is out for weeks.

But Head Coach Dan Muse just poured a bucket of ice water on those fears.

"He's playing," Muse confirmed today.

"He was a full participant in practice the other day. He's going."

- Dan Muse

That is exactly what we needed to hear.

At 39 years old, Geno is not just "hanging on."

He is dominating.

The big Russian (Drafted Round 1, #2 overall by Pittsburgh) is currently operating at a level that defies logic.

He has already racked up 40 points in just 36 games.

That is well over a point-per-game pace from a guy pushing 40.

It is honestly ridiculous.

Most players his age are slowing down, but Malkin is still a mountain on skates.

At 6'5" and over 210 lbs, he remains an imposing force down the middle.

Check out the confirmation from the beat right here:

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Let's be real about the money for a second.

He carries a cap hit of $6.1 million.

For a center producing at an elite clip?

That is an absolute steal.

You have guys making $9 million who can't touch his offensive impact right now.

He is earning every single penny of that deal.

The fact that Muse thinks he is playing at a "high level" is an understatement.

He is carrying the mail offensively.

So, take a breath, Pittsburgh.

The separation in practice was just noise.

Geno is fine.

And as long as #71 is in the lineup, this team is dangerous.

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

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JANVIER 29\|108 ANSWERS Dan Muse responds to the speculation surrounding Evgeni Malkin's health Do you think Malkin will finish the season with over 80 points?
Yes	76	70.4 %
No####	32	29.6 %
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