Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Penguins Insider Josh Yohe Hints at Evgeni Malkin Joining a New NHL Team if He Chooses Not to Retire
Penguins insider Josh Yohe hinted at Evgeni Malkin possibly considering playing for a hometown team in Russia prior to officially calling it quits in hockey.
Penguins insider Josh Yohe speculated recently about Evgeni Malkin's future, and there's nothing firm yet, but there are signs that his 2025-26 season will conclude his NHL career.
Evgeni Malkin, who will celebrate his 40th birthday next year, will not see a Penguins contract extension after next year, or at least that's what reports are saying.
Though there's always a possibility that he heads back to Russia and slaps on a KHL jersey, Yohe believes there's more chance that Malkin hangs it all up.
"It's always speculated that Evgeni Malkin could return to his native country to finish his career. Sure, it's possible. If he does that, hey, that's cool. He's earned the right to finish his career wherever he wants. My guess is that the 2025-26 season will be his last playing hockey, period."
- Josh Yohe
- Josh Yohe
He's aged, and it's highly likely it's all done, the end that fans don't necessarily want to hear, but will more than likely have to accept when all's done.
It's all the more convincing because Sidney Crosby's next deal could have a casting vote in Malkin's future. Both longtime linemates and close friends, they have shared their entire Pittsburgh tenure together.
Crosby and Malkin could potentially make their decisions together
Both Sidney Crosby's and Malkin's deals also run out after the 2025-26 season, and there's little doubt his 39th birthday will witness his retirement. If Sid retires, it will not be a shock if Malkin retires too.
A lot will hinge on what the 2025-26 Penguins are. Low hopes, long shots to a playoff spot, and barely a shot at a Cup. If both studs don't see the team being able to compete, that's all she wrote, and it will surely be the end of era.
If Malkin decides to retire as a Penguin, returns to Russia, or surprises us all and remains longer in the NHL, his decision will probably have a direct impact on what Crosby will choose to do as well.
Both players, at the end of the day, could be banking on each other.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 9 | 116 ANSWERS Penguins Insider Josh Yohe Hints at Evgeni Malkin Joining a New NHL Team if He Chooses Not to Retire Will Evgeni Malkin suit up and play in Russia? | ||
| Yes | 78 | 67.2 % |
| No | 38 | 32.8 % |
| List of polls | ||