Evgeni Malkin's Future in Pittsburgh Unfolds as All Great Things Come to an End

Evgeni Malkin has long been a shadow to other greats of the game, and this NHL season is no exception. As Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin dominated the front pages all year long so far, Malkin's work shouldn't be overlooked.

Malkin never quite received the credit that he was due. Now 38, he is no longer the one player he once was. Crosby, at the age of 37, remains among the NHL's elite, and Ovechkin, who is 39, continues to light the lamp with a dizzying frequency.

Malkin, on the other hand, has battled several injuries and the inevitability of aging. He currently has just 15 goals and 46 points in 62 contests this season, which are definitely below his Hall-of-Fame standards.

Compared with Ovechkin, all but immune, and Crosby, whose legs had supported a robust, long-playing career, Malkin has had two full reconstructions of the ACL.

His lanky, rather than sturdily built body, is one that was not designed to play more than 1,200 NHL games with any wear and tear.

Amidst this, however, Malkin has adapted. The raw ability of his early years may be gone, but his play sense remains the making of a productive second-line center. Flashes of brilliance still exist, and the love for the game is still present.

Malkin has just one season remaining on his contract and has already indicated that he will play for the following season.

If 2025-26 is, however, going to be his last season, then he deserves a farewell tour, and fans sure hope he gets it.