Crosby, signed through 2026-27, has repeatedly said he will play only for the Penguins. He and Malkin are the franchise leaders in games played and join Lemieux as the only players in franchise history to win the Hart and Conn Smythe trophies and multiple scoring titles.

Pittsburgh Penguins veteran Evgeni Malkin has not changed his mind and sounds sick and tired of having to repeat himself over and over. He made it clear that he doesn’t want to play anywhere else and will retire with the Penguins.

Michael Bunting objected, a bit, to the premise of the question. His usual linemate Evgeni Malkin is probably not the same player at 38 as he was at 28. What can he still … Bunting interrupted the reporter offering the clumsy query.