Penguins React to Ovechkin Announcement; Malkin: Maybe it’s My Last Year, Too

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and captain Sidney Crosby reacted to Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin announcing that the 2026-27 NHL season will be his last before retirement. Speaking after morning skate on Monday, the 40-year-old Malkin suggested that this could also be his final campaign, stating that playing every night is not easy.

Malkin is signed to a one-year deal for this season without commitments beyond it, while Ovechkin enters his final year leading the NHL all-time goals list with 929. Both Malkin and Crosby reflected on their decades-long rivalries and eventual friendships with Ovechkin ahead of Wednesday's matchup in Washington.