Evgeni Malkin will become a free agent on July 1 as his contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins comes to an end. While there is no update on the Russian center’s future, he has now made a statement that is generating quite the buzz on social media.
On X, DX Pittsburgh Sports uploaded a video on Friday in which reporter Taylor Haase asked Malkin about his future. In his response, Hasse said he won’t rule out playing for another NHL team if the Penguins decide to move on from him.
Malkin said:
“I want to play in the NHL, for sure, but I know it’s not easy for (Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas). Maybe he wants new blood here. I understand it’s a business,” Malkin said. “For me, I want to play one more year in the NHL. … But if not Pittsburgh, I hope some (NHL) team.”
Evgeni Malkin has been with the Pittsburgh Penguins for nearly 20 years. In his career with the Penguins, Malkin has won three Stanley Cups: in 2009, 2016 and 2017. The 39-year-old is also a three-time first-team All-Star and has done enough to cement his place as a legend in Pittsburgh.
Evgeni Malkin’s ex-teammate predicts which team the Russian will be playing for next year
Evgeni Malkin’s situation with the Pittsburgh Penguins is complicated because, time after time, Malkin has constantly said his future lies in Pittsburgh. However, his recent statement is a complete U-turn from what he once said, and his time in the NHL is now a matter of discussion and speculation.
Recently, one of Malkin’s former teammates spoke about the former’s situation and offered his insight. The ex-teammate in question is Tyler Kennedy. During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Kennedy seemed concerned that Malkin was on his way out of Pittsburgh. He said:
“I don’t think. I don’t see Malkin. I don’t know what he’s looking for price-wise, but I’m telling you right now, you can’t let Malkin walk, because you know where he’s going to go, boys?”
Further, Kennedy revealed where he thinks Malkin could go.
“He’s going to Washington Capitals,” Kennedy said. “He’s very close with (Alexander) Ovechkin. I think Ovechkin’s coming back, and if they don’t sign Malkin, who do you think his first call is going to be? He’s going to Washington Capitals to play with Ovechkin, his last year, and that’s the last thing I want to see, the last thing the Pittsburgh Penguins want to see.”
Kennedy believes that Evgeni Malkin’s relationship with Alex Ovechkin could be a key factor in his decision to move to Washington. According to Kennedy, Malkin would want to play with someone like Ovechkin, who has pushed him to be better all these years.
Edited by R. Elahi
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