Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin: 'I hope that I stay here'

Some things have waned a bit for Evgeni Malkin at 39.

His bullish method of skating into the offensive zone has lost a little horsepower. And that blistering one-timer from the right circle doesn’t quite break the sound barrier like it used to.

But his wit is as sharp as ever.

When a reporter pointed out “everybody knows” he is entering the final year of his contract Friday, Malkin immediately interrupted the query with a quip.

“And I know, too,” Malkin guffawed. “Trust me.”

The Penguins have trusted Malkin to be a colonnade of this franchise for more than 20 years, and that faith has been rewarded handsomely as Malkin has been a prominent factor of the greatest era of hockey in Pittsburgh, represented by the three Stanley Cup banners they have accumulated since 2009.

But with the organization in the midst of a badly needed youth movement, Malkin, the oldest player in the organization, acknowledges he might be entering his final season with the Penguins, if not the NHL.

Though he does it with optimism that he might be able to squeeze a little bit more toothpaste out of the tube in the form of another season in 2026-27.

“It depends on how the (current) season (goes),” Malkin said. “If we play great, I play great, I feel confident, I show my game, why not one more? Preseason (is) huge for (the) team, for me myself. I’m still hungry. I’m glad to be here this year. We have a new coach, a couple new teammates. Exciting to see what’s going on here this year.”

What has Malkin excited is the tone of the team under new coach Dan Muse. Two days into training camp, Muse has orchestrated a demanding pace to the practice sessions, which Malkin has found appealing.

“You see practice the last few days, it’s crazy hard,” Malkin said. “I like it. We need it. Young guys, veteran guys, we need to work together. We need to play 60 minutes. I like what I see. (Muse is) focused, he’s (smart).

“First meeting we’re here, everybody is even here. No superstars, no rookies, no young kids. Everybody is staying level, and everybody is working hard.”

Malkin indicated he put in the work with a “great summer” and is hopeful that effort will manifest itself in the form of a strong season.

“I want to show, not bad but best year,” Malkin said. “The last three, four years … I’m not happy (with) how I play the last couple of years for sure. If (this is) my last year here, I want to show everything. I want to show my best game.”

Malkin showed mixed feelings when the scenario of potentially leaving the Penguins — via trade or as a free agent — to pursue another championship was broached.

“We see a story like with Brad Marchand (going from the Boston Bruins to the Florida Panthers last season),” Malkin said. “It’s looking good. But if (the) team trades you and you (do) not win the (Stanley) Cup, it’s a little bit weird. We’ll see what’s going on (in) the future. Of course, everybody wants to try to play the playoffs and make one more run to the (Stanley) Cup. It’s a great story when you see it on TV, but I don’t know how I’d feel if the team wants to trade me.”

On Thursday, Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas indicated he would approach Malkin’s agent, J.P. Barry, during the NHL’s break for the Olympics in February to discuss the superstar’s future.

Malkin is professing patience in trying to map out that course.

“We have time,” Malkin said. “A long season. Training camp just started. We’ll see what’s going on. A huge season for Kyle (and) everybody here. We’ve missed the playoffs the last three years. It’s not great. Now, mentally, my focus is (to) be better every day, stay here with (the) team, do my best. We’ll see.

“If (this is) my last year here, I have 20 years playing here. Not bad. I’m glad to be (with the) Penguins. I’m glad I (won) three (Stanley Cup titles) here. But, again, if I have a chance to play next year, I’m good.”

Remaining with his current employer would be good with Malkin.

“I hope that I stay here (with teammates Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang),” Malkin said. “I be with the Penguins forever, for sure.”

Notes: Forward Kevin Hayes will be sidelined to open the regular season because of an undisclosed injury he suffered during the first day of training camp Thursday. Muse indicated Hayes will be reevaluated in approximately one month. The Penguins are scheduled to begin the regular season Oct. 7. … Former general manager Ray Shero was awarded the Lester Patrick Trophy for this year. The award recognizes “outstanding service to hockey in the United States.” Shero died April 9 following a bout with cancer. He was 62.