Evgeni Malkin is not ready to retire. He believes he can play for a few more seasons.
“I hope to play for three more years,” the 37-year-old center said Saturday on the third day of Pittsburgh Penguins training camp, NHL.com reported.
Malkin is already preparing to begin his 18th season in the NHL. In 2022-2023, contrary to his habit, he did not miss a single game, but his team failed to qualify for the playoffs, a first time since 2005-2006.
The great Russian doesn’t want something like this to happen again.
“I think our team is better than last year. Our goal is to make the playoffs and have a winning attitude in every game.”
However, Malkin, who collected 83 points, does not have to blame himself for this failure. Only Sidney Crosby has amassed more, 93.
The two veterans will do everything in their power to help the Penguins win their first series since 2018.
“Last season was very disappointing,” admitted Malkin. We’re moving forward now. We try to get better every day.”
“We made a lot of changes over the summer. Hopefully the new players will make us better. We’re all here to win.”
In the summer, the Penguins notably signed star defender Erik Karlsson, rearguard Ryan Graves and forward Reilly Smith.