Evgeni Malkin is feeling "so much better" and might be making his anticipated return to the Pittsburgh Penguins as early as Thursday. At 39 years old, while he hasn’t explicitly stated that this season could be his last with the team, Malkin's impressive performance on the ice is certainly sparking conversations about the possibility of extending his NHL career into a 21st season.
Currently, Malkin is in the final year of a four-year contract worth $24.4 million, which averages out to $6.1 million per year. During his 26 games so far this season, he has accrued 29 points, consisting of eight goals and 21 assists. However, it’s important to note that he has been sidelined for the last 15 games due to an upper-body injury. The Penguins, who currently hold a record of 20 wins, 12 losses, and 9 ties, have managed to secure five consecutive victories and six wins in their last seven games—a streak Malkin is eager to join.
"I’m willing to play any position if the coach needs me to," Malkin expressed after Tuesday’s practice session. "It doesn’t matter to me; I just want to get back out there and play!"
This recent practice marked the first time Malkin engaged in full contact since sustaining his injury, leading to hopes that he could make his comeback against the New Jersey Devils at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh on Thursday evening. "Practicing gives me the best feeling," Malkin remarked. "It’s way more enjoyable than skating alone; today was a good day for me. It was tough at times, but I’m just thrilled to be back with my teammates and to enjoy our time together. I have one more practice tomorrow, and I really hope to return this week."
Malkin’s last appearance was during a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 4, where he contributed with two goals and an assist. Since then, he has been absent from the lineup. Reflecting on his recovery, Malkin shared, "It’s quite strange because I don’t feel any pain after games, but when I wake up the next morning, my shoulder feels completely immobile. It’s just bizarre."
Initially expected to recover quickly, Malkin’s timeline shifted from day-to-day assessments to a more extended week-to-week recovery. "Every day feels like a step forward, and I believe I’m getting closer to returning," he said. "But I still struggle to move my arm comfortably, which is frustrating. This injury isn’t severe, just these minor annoyances that hinder my progress. Each day comes with its own challenges, yet I’ve been feeling significantly better during the last few days. I hold onto the hope of being back in action this week."
When he was injured, Malkin was tied with Sidney Crosby for the most points on the Penguins roster, each having 29 points, although their scoring came through different avenues. Following Malkin's departure from the lineup, the team faced a rough patch, losing eight consecutive games from December 7 to December 20, with a disappointing record of 0 wins, 4 losses, and 4 ties.
Crosby has since risen to the occasion, now boasting 47 points this season, including 24 goals and 23 assists over 41 games. He has recently ignited a turnaround for the team, contributing 12 points during a seven-game point streak, helping Pittsburgh outscore their opponents 25-12 during their current win streak. Malkin remains optimistic about the team’s chances of returning to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after missing the postseason for three consecutive years.
"I’ve always believed we have a fantastic team with great players here," Malkin noted. "We faced some adversity with those seven or eight games prior, but now we’re back on track. While there may be ups and downs, the guys have really stepped up in the last few games... When we play smart and stick to our game plan, we can compete with any team, as evidenced by our performance over the past five games."
Malkin holds a significant legacy within the Penguins organization, ranking third all-time in team history for points, trailing only behind legends Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux. His current tally stands at 1,375 points achieved through 522 goals and 853 assists over 1,239 games played. Therefore, he is keen to regain his form swiftly.
"Losing games can shake your confidence a bit," Malkin admitted. "Coming back after missing over ten games is always nerve-wracking; you start to question your game. But I feel fantastic. My physical conditioning is great, my legs are fresh, and I know that if I just get a couple of shifts under my belt, I’ll be fine. My teammates support me immensely, and it's crucial to get back on the ice to rebuild that confidence. After all, I’ve been in this league for nearly two decades, so I understand how to navigate these situations. I just want to wake up tomorrow feeling great, and if I do, my confidence will follow."
In his inaugural season as head coach of the Penguins, Dan Muse has observed enough from Malkin to place his trust in the veteran player. "He’s incredibly competitive, as evident from today’s practice," Muse commented. "He genuinely loves the game and thrives on competition. It’s clear why he has sustained such a successful career. He’s dedicated a lot of effort towards his recovery, and what he has showcased on the ice this season has been impressive."
For Malkin to resume his impact on the team is crucial moving forward. "Nothing’s changed fundamentally," Malkin asserted. "We’re fighting for every game as we push toward the playoffs. All teams are tightly matched right now, and we have over 40 games left in the season. We must continue to play hard, especially with the Olympic break approaching. It’s essential to stay smart, recover properly, and keep working.
"Post-February, it’s going to be a crucial stretch for us. This year, every team has a solid chance to secure a playoff spot."
