$24,400,000 Evgeni Malkin discloses plans to join KHL at end of successful NHL career

Evgeni Malkin signed a four-year, $24.4 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2022. Malkin, 37, discussed his future with Russian media, 'Tass.' He hopes to play one season for the KHL's Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

Malkin started his career with Metallurg before moving to the NHL. He played for Metallurg from 2003 to 2006 and during the 2012–13 NHL lockout. During the lockout, he scored 65 points in 37 games.

"It's hard to make plans about a return, I still have two years left on my contract with Pittsburgh. I need to play these two years and see how it goes," Malkin said, (Translated by google).

"The main thing is no injuries, and if, as Pavel Datsyuk says, there's a fire burning, you can't go out and do the number without it."

"If I come to Metallurg and take the place of a young player, maybe a future star, it will not be nice." Malkin added (Translated by google). "If I feel good, then, of course, I would like to play another season on my home ice here. I spent three days here, many people came up to me, took pictures, wished me luck."

Despite some decline, Evgeni Malkin remains a key asset for the Penguins. He scored 27 goals and 67 points last season, playing all 82 games. With two seasons left, Malkin is set to surpass 1,300 NHL career points.

Evgeni Malkin considers Pittsburgh home and wants to stay with Penguins

Evgeni Malkin aims to finish his career in Pittsburgh. In an interview with NHL.com back in March this year, he talked about his intention to continue playing with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"Of course. I signed (a) four-year contract. After this year, I have two more years,” Malkin said. “I want to stay here, you know? If I wanted to change teams, I probably would have changed two years ago."

"Again, this is my home, second home, you know? Any situation, I'm most happy here. I've had injuries. Now, it's a tough situation. I want to be here."

Evgeni Malkin was second on the Penguins points table with 67 points this season, behind Sidney Crosby. His potential return to the KHL hinges on his health post-NHL for now.