Penguins get big news on Evgeni Malkin's contract future in Pittsburgh originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Evgeni Malkin just got to rest up for a couple of weeks and recharge.
With no Russian team playing in the Winter Olympics, the Pittsburgh Penguins' veteran center got to freshen up for the stretch run.
He also might be charging the batteries for an extended future in Pittsburgh.
While Malkin could be done with the Penguins after this season, there's movement toward more.
NHL insider David Pagnotta reported on Feb. 18 that Malkin is "open to" a one-year extension with the Penguins, and he thinks the Penguins would be up for that deal, too.
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Pittsburgh is playing well this season despite the age of Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, so it makes sense that they might not want to totally move on from that yet.
Malkin will turn 40 years old in July, so if he sticks around, it'll be for his age-40 season.
He has played all 20 of his NHL seasons with the Penguins, a total of 1,254 games.
Coming out of the Olympic break, Malkin has 13 goals and 31 assists this season for 44 points in 41 games.
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In his career, he has 1,390 points in his 1,254 games. That includes 527 goals and 863 assists.
Malkin was at less than a point per game pace each of the past two seasons, so going back above that pace so far this season has been a pleasant surprise for the Penguins.
Clearly, he's a well-respected presence, and it'd make sense to bring Malkin back if he wants to come back.
That's still likely a decision that won't be known for sure until this season is over.