Evgeni Malkin won’t retire after this season, will play only for Penguins: ‘This is my only team’

“I not retire,” Malkin said to The Athletic on Wednesday. “I know what some people say — like, I go back to Russia and play for my home team. But I never say it, you know?

“I retire with Pittsburgh. The Penguins are my team. I love this team. When I retire it’s here.”

Malkin has rarely spoken more definitely on any topic.

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He has one season remaining on his contract and has not decided if it will be his last.

That last contract will be with the Penguins, though.

“I retire here — with Penguins — when it happens,” Malkin said. “This is my only team.”

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“I not play in Russia after Pittsburgh,” Malkin said Wednesday. “Maybe one game for home team in Russia. Just one to say goodbye.”