Evgeni Malkin has plans to leave the Pittsburgh Penguins and retire elsewhere
Sorry to disappoint the Pittsburgh Penguins fans out there, but it appears Evgeni Malkin wants to go home and retire in Russia.
At the age of 37, Malkin knows his time to win a Stanley Cup is running out, and unfortunately for him, the Penguins aren't in a position to likely compete for it over the next two years, which is how much longer Malkin has on his contract. He will likely have to find success with another NHL team, or simply pack things up and head overseas, back to his home.
A Russian journalist caught up with Malkin, who revealed that he does have a strong desire to one day end his professional career in his home country.
"It's hard to make plans about a return," he said. "I still have two years left on my contract with Pittsburgh. I need to play these two years and see how it goes. The main thing is no injuries, and if, as Pavel Datsyuk says, there's a fire burning, you can't go out and do the number without it."
There was a time where Malkin actually wanted to retire in Pittsburgh, as he had announced those feelings only two years ago. Things seem to have changed now.
Evgeni Malkin said today he would like to retire as a #Penguins player. But.
"I understand it's a business. I love this city, I love these fans so much. But if the team wants young blood and new guys & says �you should move on', I'm fine.
I hope I retire here" @KDKA
"I understand it's a business. I love this city, I love these fans so much. But if the team wants young blood and new guys & says �you should move on', I'm fine.
I hope I retire here" @KDKA
Despite his age, Malkin is very reliable, having played in all 82 games for two straight seasons. In his most recent campaign, he picked up 27 goals and 67 points.
Source: Hockey Trade Rumours
Evgeni Malkin announces he doesn't want to retire with the Penguins
| POLL | ||
Do you hope Malkin retires with the Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 123 | 79.9 % |
| No | 31 | 20.1 % |
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