STOCKHOLM — The external noise surrounding Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin throughout the summer was loud, and there was absolutely no resolution.
First, there was a report that the Penguins would absolutely not offer the 39-year-old center a new contract after this season. Then, a counter report from Pittsburgh Hockey Now, and later confirmed by Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas, indicated no decisions on Malkin’s future had been reached, and he and Malkin’s agent would speak at several designated points, including the February Olympic break, to determine his future.
And then the actual hockey began. And Malkin began tearing up the scoring sheet.
“Yeah, when you feel good, your team plays good, you know, you stay healthy, it always feels amazing,” Malkin said. “We’ve tried to win every game–the last couple of games, we were not great in the third period. We’ve come to Sweden and will try to win two games. I’m not thinking about my game right now. I want to help the team win.”
Pittsburgh Hockey Now confirmed once again with sources, the February meeting between Dubas and Malkin’s representation will be the pivotal discussion.
Malkin has set a blistering pace out of the gate. In the first 17 games this season, Malkin has three goals and 21 points. He has hovered amongst the top 10 in NHL scoring, led the Penguins’ resurgent power play that leads the league, and he’s having so much fun that he simply decided to claim Bryan Rust’s empty dressing room stall to hold his second media availability this season.
The only problem with Malkin taking up the extra stall was that Bryan Rust also needed his stall. As Rust came into the room following the Penguins’ 45-minute practice at Avicii Arena.
In full gear, Rust stood behind this reporter, faceciously complaining to Malkin to hurry up. The exchange was in keeping with the festive and jovial atmosphere as the Penguins participate in the Global Series in Stockholm this week, but also in keeping with Malkin’s good spirits.
The stiff upper lip, as he dealt with personal and team struggles, has been replaced by the big Russian smile. The puck is going in the net, the team is winning more than losing, and Malkin is avoiding any thoughts about his own game or a new contract.
“I read like articles before the season, like we’re not good enough anymore, you know? It’s hard, but I don’t think probably last three years we’re not showing our best games,” said Malkin. “We changed coaches, and there are a couple of new faces here on the team. And yeah, we try to do our best, and you see, it’s unbelievable. We have a good group here, and I think this group is showing its best, and if we stay healthy, for sure, we’ll make the playoffs, and we’ll see what’s going on.”
Though, for the record, it was Malkin who brought up the possibility of one more year, which probably gives you just a sliver of insight. Even though he said he’s not thinking about it, the unprompted mention suggests it’s something he is considering.
“If you (media) are happy, I’m happy too. I mean, I’m not trying to think about a new contract, like maybe one more year,” said Malkin. “I told you before the season, I want to be happy. I want to just play my game, not think too much (about outside stuff), and just enjoy it every day. Enjoy hockey. Right now, I’m just enjoying it every day–you know, come to the rink, and try to do my best.”
Malkin isn’t in vintage form. After 20 NHL seasons, and, of course, “Three years, Super League,” Malkin can neither arch his skates and powerfully stride past defenders like he used to, nor can he overpower them.
No matter, Malkin’s game had far more layers and creativity than the highlight reel moments. It seems Malkin showed up ready to go on Day 1. His new coach noticed.
“I mean, he’s playing really well for us. I think you see five-on-five and on the power play. He’s a guy, if you give him a little bit of time and space, he can make a lot of things happen with it,” said coach Dan Muse. “Obviously, from the production standpoint, you know it’s been good. But I think on a nightly basis, he’s been getting chances. He’s been getting good looks … I was extremely excited to get an opportunity to get to know him and get to work together with a guy who’s been a world-class player for 20 plus years.
“I think he came out of the gates there. Even going back to training camp, just seeing the way he practiced. He’s a really competitive person. Like, he wants to win. He wants to be great. And he shows that on a regular basis in practice and in games.”
Anthony Mantha has seen a heavy uptick in production over past campaigns while playing beside Malkin this season. Mantha has eight goals in 17 games, and his career high is only 25, set back in 2018-19.
Justin Brazeau, 27, was having a breakout season until an upper-body injury claimed him for several weeks. Brazeau’s career high is 10 goals, but he had six goals and 12 points in 12 games before suffering an upper-body injury.
Tommy Novak has also seen an increased visibility playing beside Malkin.
The reclamation project Penguins were not on the top of anyone’s playoff contenders list. With nine wins and four additional points in 17 games, that’s exactly what Malkin is thinking.
Malkin misunderstood a question from this reporter about whether he had peeked at the standings, instead believing he we asked if he had peaked.
The English language, huh? Malkin ended his chat in good style, anyway.
“I always want to be better every day, and I want to play at my top level,” he said. “Nobody knows my peak. Probably myself included, you know? I hope that every game is better and better, and my peak is in the playoffs.”
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