Malkin Nonetheless Hungry, Nonetheless Having Enjoyable

Malkin has been teammates with Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang for these 20 years, with the longest-tenured trio of teammates in North American skilled sports activities tacking one other season onto their time collectively.

“Great teammates. Great friends,” Malkin stated. “It’s not just here because we win three (championships). I hope we’re here because we still play good. We showed last year we made the playoffs. I hope this year, the same, we help the team make (the) playoffs. I would like to play longer. Again, these are two of my best friends here. I’m excited for one more year together.”

For Crosby’s half, he talked about the season Malkin put collectively in 2025-26 a few totally different instances. Malkin completed as a point-per-game participant at age 39, placing up 19 targets and 61 factors in simply 56 video games, lacking 26 because of the aforementioned harm and a suspension. Malkin then recorded two targets and three factors in six playoff video games to cap off the season.

“He had a great year last year, and I’ve been fortunate to play with him for so long, and it’s not something you take for granted by any means,” Crosby stated. “Just grateful I’ve been able to play with him this long, and really happy for him. He had an unbelievable year, and it was great to see him get rewarded.”

Now 40 years previous, Malkin quips that he’s the previous man within the Penguins locker room, and that he’ll need to maintain utilizing his expertise to assist the youthful gamers, significantly the Russian-speaking ones.

Malkin confirmed wonderful management with the likes of Egor Chinakhov, Arturs Silovs and Ilya Solovyov final yr, and has already constructed a rapport with newcomer Andrei Kuzmenko. They hadn’t met earlier than this summer season, however ended up figuring out collectively again in Russia.

“I think it’s more fun. It’s more Russian language around,” Malkin stated. “It’s crazy, I’m here, like, 20 years, and probably the last 15 years, no Russians around. But now, it’s almost, like, six or seven players. I hope they stay on team. I hope they show best game. And if I have chance to help, like any advice, go to dinner, just do it. I do my best, too. I know I’m old guy here, and I have experience. And just, anytime, anywhere.”

That’s what administration expects from Malkin, together with persevering with to supply at a excessive stage and serving to the Penguins take strides.

“(Kyle Dubas) said, we’re excited you’ll be here (this) year,” Malkin stated. “The team loves you, team likes you. We have great coaches. Last year, I showed (a) good game. I’m excited to be here. I’m here to win. … I’m still hungry.”