Penguins GM hopes Malkin stays — The Fourth Period
Evgeni Malkin wants to play in the NHL next season. The Pittsburgh Penguins want Malkin to play, too. Now, it’s a matter of finalizing a contract to make that happen, together.
Malkin, who turns 40 on July 31, is in the final year of a four-year, $24.4 million contract and can become an unrestricted free agent July 1. He has voiced his desire to continue his playing career, and to do so with the Penguins, and on Tuesday, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas acknowledged that the team “would love to have him back.”
“Obviously, had a great exit interview with Evgeni, directly,” Dubas said. “And then, subsequently, have had continued discussions with him and with his representative, J.P. Barry. The season that he’s had, where we’re at, where we’re going. I don’t look at our younger players – they did enough to (not) have it viewed like he’s blocking anybody out, in that regard.”
Malkin is likely to secure a one-year, bonus-laden contract and reports suggest he could earn a base salary of $5 million on his next deal.
Dubas and Barry spoke after the Olympics and agreed to table talks to the off-season, with an understanding that Malkin wants to play in his 21st NHL season, ideally with the Pens.
“We’ll just continue to work with J.P. on it,” Dubas added. “That’s as clear as I can be.”
Malkin build some chemistry playing with fellow Russian Yegor Chinakhov and the veteran superstar is certainly an ideal on-ice mentor for the young winger.
In 56 games with the Penguins this season, Malkin registered 19 goals and 42 assists for 61 points.
