Malkin affirms desire to stay with Penguins amid rumored teardown
Pittsburgh Penguins legend Evgeni Malkin has no interest in leaving despite the franchise already making roster changes amid a rough start to the season.
"It's my second home here," Malkin told reporters following Wednesday's overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings. "I'm glad to be here. It doesn't matter if we win or we lost, I want to be here always together with (teammates) Sid (Crosby), with Tanger (Kris Letang). We understand it's a tough time right now. We traded Lars (Eller) yesterday. I want to stay together ... We will fight every game, you know?"
Pittsburgh dealt Eller to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday for a pair of draft picks, and the club is open to making additional moves, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The Penguins are currently sixth in the Metropolitan Division at 6-9-3 and have won only two of their last 10 games.
Their minus-22 goal differential is the worst in the NHL.
Pittsburgh is on track to miss the playoffs for the third consecutive season after qualifying 16 years in a row on the strength of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang. All three longtime core players are under contract for at least one more season, and each owns a full no-move clause.
The Penguins signaled their intentions to compete this season and beyond by inking Crosby to a two-year, $17.4-million extension in September.
Malkin leads the Penguins with 18 points in 18 games this season.