The Pittsburgh Penguins re-signed Evgeni Malkin this summer to a one-year contract. Malkin was set to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1. He wanted to play another season in the NHL. And he seemed willing to accept the possibility of playing for another team.

This season, he has returned to the Penguins. He feels ready to contribute meaningfully to this team. Next year, though, is another story. It feels as if this could be it. For now, Malkin isn't ready to commit to 2026-27 being his final season.

“We'll see what's going on during the season, you know? Right now, I want to say, ‘Yes,' (to playing longer). But we'll see how my body feels. It's all about (that) I still love the game. It's why I'm here, like, 21 years. I love the game. I'm excited every shift, practice, battle. See guys around, you know, have fun. But again, most important, how your body feels,” the Penguins star said, via NHL.com.

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Malkin is one of the best players in the history of the Penguins. He is arguably one of the best centers of his generation, in fact. Malkin has spent his career as a second-line center behind Sidney Crosby. Had he played for another team, though, he undoubtedly would have anchored their top line.

Malkin ranks third all-time in points among Penguins players. He trails only Crosby and Mario Lemieux. He will be a Hall of Famer someday. His drive to make an impact is why he knows when it will be time to walk away.

“I'm a person (that) if I don't feel like 100 percent, I'm not playing, you know? Because I want to be on my top level. I don't want to just spend time, just do nothing. It's not my game. If my game helps the team to win, I will. If not, I'm retired,” the Penguins star said.