Malkin Hints This Could Be His Final NHL Season
Evgeni Malkin said Monday that the 2026-27 season might be his last, reacting to Alex Ovechkin's announcement that he will retire after the year. The Penguins center, 40, is in the final season of a one-year contract and spoke after typically avoiding morning-skate interviews. Malkin praised Ovechkin as a legend and said he still loves the game.
Malkin, 40, is in the last year of a one-year, $5.5 million contract signed in May. He normally avoids post-morning-skate interviews, a habit dating to his rookie season, but made an exception Monday after Ovechkin told Capitals teammates this would be his final NHL campaign.
The two Russians were selected back-to-back in 2004: Ovechkin first by Washington, Malkin second by Pittsburgh. Malkin recalled being nervous once Ovechkin went No. 1. Pittsburgh and Washington are scheduled to meet four times this season, beginning Wednesday in Washington and ending April 4 there.
Malkin’s comments could turn Pittsburgh’s season into a farewell watch, especially the four Capitals matchups. Fans in Pittsburgh, Washington, and Russia may treat each appearance as a chance to see two era-defining players together, possibly increasing attention around those games. Teammates and Penguins management may face more questions about succession and roster planning. For younger Russian players, the moment could feel like a symbolic handoff, though Malkin has not confirmed retirement and may still choose to continue.