Evgeni Malkin confirms he will be willing to play for another NHL team if not re-signed by Penguins: ‘If not Pittsburgh, I hope some team’
RMNB • • sports
Key Points:
- Evgeni Malkin, whose contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins expires this summer, has indicated that if he does not re-sign with the team, he plans to continue his NHL career elsewhere rather than return to Russia.
- Malkin expressed understanding if the Penguins opt to bring in new players, acknowledging the business side of the sport, but emphasized his desire to play one more NHL season, preferably with Pittsburgh alongside longtime teammates Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang.
- Former teammate Tyler Kennedy suggested the Washington Capitals could be a potential destination for Malkin, given his close friendship with Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and the team's interest in acquiring a top-six forward this offseason.
- Penguins stars Crosby, Letang, and Rust all voiced hope that Malkin will return for another season, highlighting the strong bond and chemistry they share.
- The Penguins face significant roster decisions this summer, with over a dozen players, including Malkin, set to become free agents or needing contract extensions, while holding the NHL's largest projected salary cap space at $45.8 million.
