Evgeni Malkin opens up on his frustrations and why it could hint to a possible trade request
In a recent conversation, Malkin opens up on a lot of things including his frustration with missing the playoffs for two straight seasons and possible trade request.
Like the core players on the team, Evgeni Malkin is heading into the end of his possible Hockey Hall of Fame career. With two years left on his current contract and as he gets closer to 40, Malkin has been frustrated with the Penguins lack of post-season play.
"I was so mad the last two years," Malkin said. "Missing the playoffs by one or two points. Terrible."
In a conversation with Josh Yoke of The Athletic, Malkin opened up about playing without a post season and how he would not be able to deal with not getting a taste of that again.
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"I love the playoffs so much," Malkin said. "I I need to feel it again. I couldn't leave if I never play in the playoffs again. Not until then."
Malkin has played through a number of injuries in his career, and battled back, telling Yohe that his body still feels good. It sounds like he has a lot of hockey left in him as he continues to play at an elite level.
Yesterday Malkin was able to reach a milestone, with his 800th assist, and of course, all with the Pittsburgh Penguins. This year he is on pace to reach his 500th NHL goal and 1,300th point.
I would think the frustration of not making the playoffs is something he does not deal with alone. Although it sounds like he would like to make sure his career does not end without another run, it is not certain that he would want to leave the Penguins to get one more try.
One this is for sure, Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins will need a similar performance like the one in Detroit last night to show that they are a team ready for the post-season once again.
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