Malkin talks to Dubas, wants to play 1 more year

CRANBERRY TWP (93.7 The Fan) – Before Evgeni Malkin finished with team locker cleanout and headed back to Russia, the Pens forward made sure to have another conversation with Pens GM Kyle Dubas about his future.

“We will see what (Dubas) thinks,” Malkin said Friday. “I talked to my agent after, right now, nothing new.”

Malkin becomes a free agent on July 1 and was quick to say if the Pens don’t want him, he would play for someone else. But he made clear the desire is to remain with the Pens.

“It’s not easy for Kyle, maybe he wants new blood here,” Malkin told Pittsburgh reporters. “I understand business, I understand he might want new faces, but I want to play one more year in the NHL.”

Last year Malkin was fifth in points on the Pens with 61 in only 56 games. He had only two stretches where he went more than a game without a point (one time three games, another was two).

Malkin is third in Penguins history with 1,407 points (that’s 23^rd in NHL history). He’s won the Art Ross Trophy twice, won the Calder Memorial Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy, Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award in his 20 seasons.

“Still want to play hockey,” Malkin said. “It’s the best game in the world. Just have fun, enjoy game. I want to play one more year for sure.”

For the first time in his professional career Malkin moved to wing and said he will do what the coach asks of him moving forward and play whatever role. He said the playoffs brought a special emotion that confirmed to him that he wants more.

“Special, it’s special for me and for my family,” Malkin said of Pittsburgh. “My son was born here. It’s not just hockey, it’s the city, fans, friends, lots of memories here. I’ll never forget.”

What happens with Evgeni Malkin?

As he gets ready to see family and friends in Russia for the next few months, does he believe he will play for the Penguins in 2026-27?

“Hard to say right now, but we have time,” Malkin said. “It’s a long summer.”