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'I Want to Show Everything': Evgeni Malkin Makes Bold Promise to Penguins Fans
Photo credit: Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin, who could be entering the last year of his NHL career, explained during training camp what he wants the fans to see from him.
It could truly be the end of an era for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2025-26, as longtime star Evgeni Malkin isn't signed beyond 2026; the prevailing thought is that this could be the final year of his NHL career.
Malkin's stats haven't been what they once were, but at 39, he can't exactly be blamed for Father Time catching up to him.
But he knows that fans are going to be making a special point to come watch him play in person for potentially the last time, and he made a bold declaration for if this upcoming season will be his farewell tour.
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.
Malkin was taken by the Penguins with the 2nd overall pick in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, one pick behind fellow countryman Alex Ovechkin of the divisional foe Washington Capitals.
Evgeni Malkin hinted he could also play another additional year
He was asked directly if he thinks that 2025-26 is his swan song in the NHL, and he didn't slam the door shut on the thought of potentially playing in 2026-27.
It depends on how the season is going. If we play great, and I play great, and I feel confident and show my game - why not one more year? The season is huge for me, my team, myself. I'm still hungry.
Regardless, Malkin will find himself in the Hall of Fame when it's all said and done, and his sweater number 71 will be placed alongside Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr in PPG Paints Arena.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 19 | 48 ANSWERS 'I Want to Show Everything': Evgeni Malkin Makes Bold Promise to Penguins Fans Will Evgeni Malkin keep playing beyond this season? | ||
| Yes | 21 | 43.8 % |
| No | 27 | 56.3 % |
| List of polls | ||