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Evgeni Malkin Addresses Retirement Rumours and Finishing his Career with the Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins Evgeni Malkin is addressing rumours that he'll retire after this season and return home to Russia to finish out his hockey playing career.
As Pittsburgh Penguins fans, and the entire hockey community mourn the loss of legendary Pens broadcaster Mike Lange, star Evgeni Malkin is addressing his future with the team.
Evgeni Malkin has one year left on his current contract with Pittsburgh, which pays him $6.1 million per year.
The Pens, and Malkin himself, aren't having a great season, and Malkin's recent comments about needing to "look in a mirror" has fueled speculation that Malkin may retire after the 2024-25 season and head home to Russia to finish out his career.
Malkin's response to that speculation in an interview with the New York Times made it clear he's not going anywhere right now.
"I not retire. 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."
"I retire with Pittsburgh. The Penguins are my team. I love this team. When I retire it's here."
In what is a bit of a surprise, Malkin added he does not intend to play in Russia at all when he's done in the NHL, unlike fellow countryman Alex Ovechkin who has said he will likely play in the KHL to finish out his career.
"I not play in Russia after Pittsburgh. Maybe one game for home team in Russia. Just one to say goodbye."
Malkin added right now his main focus is trying to get the Pittsburgh Penguins into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, saying the 4 Nations Face-Off break has been good for his body.
Meanwhile, former Pittsburgh Penguin Derick Brassard believes his particpation in the 4 Nations Face-Off may end up in a trade for Malkin's teammate Sidney Crosby.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 20 | 365 ANSWERS Evgeni Malkin Addresses Retirement Rumours and Finishing his Career with the Penguins Are you surprised to hear Evgeni Malkin say he won't finish out his hockey career at home in Russia? | ||
| Yes | 123 | 33.7 % |
| No | 208 | 57 % |
| Not sure | 34 | 9.3 % |
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