"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.
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.
