"The last six months have not been fun... It was long, but now it's really fun to be back with the team. I hope to play as soon as possible. I expect to be playing in about 10 days." - Malkin
After the return to play issue was resolved, reporters queried Geno about his next contract. He was nominated for the year's best statement:
"I'm not thinking about my next contract right now. I'm not thinking about money, it doesn't matter anymore. I'm a pretty rich man now."
Wow! That's a pretty straight forward message. The Pittsburgh media seems to think this is wonderful news since it suggests the Russian is prepared to accept a reduced contract to stay with the Penguins and Sidney Crosby.
This would be huge for the company.
Malkin was then asked about his NHL future, given his injury history.
His response was clear:
"I want to play for another three or four seasons."
So he has already, in a way, revealed when he plans to retire. Malkin, 35, will be an uncompensated free agent next summer, currently in the final year of an eight-year contract worth $76 million in total.