Malkin says he may end NHL career after this season, after Ovechkin remarks
In short
Malkin said he does not rule out ending his NHL career after this season, in remarks made in reaction to a statement by Ovechkin, RIA Novosti and TASS reported. RBC reported that Malkin wished Ovechkin a final NHL season without injuries, said it is hard for him at 40 to play so many games and that he too could leave the league at the end of the season.
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Malkin said he does not rule out ending his NHL career after this season, Russian state agencies RIA Novosti and TASS reported. RIA Novosti said Malkin made a statement about ending his NHL career after remarks by Ovechkin, and TASS said he did not rule out finishing his career in the league once the season ends. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
RBC reported that Malkin reacted to Ovechkin’s statement with a phrase about his own “last year” and wished Ovechkin a final season without injuries. The forward acknowledged that at 40 it is hard for him to play that many games and that he could likewise leave the league at the end of the season, RBC said. [ 2 ]
Why it matters
The remarks concern two veteran Russian players in the NHL and point to the possibility of retirements at the end of the season. The documents give no detail on Ovechkin’s own announcement or on either player’s plans beyond this season.
Key facts
- Malkin said he does not rule out ending his NHL career after this season [ 1 , 3 ]
- His remarks came in reaction to a statement by Ovechkin [ 1 , 2 ]
- Malkin said he wished Ovechkin a final NHL season without injuries [ 2 ]
- RBC reported that Malkin used a phrase about his own “last year” [ 2 ]
- Malkin acknowledged that at 40 it is hard for him to play that many games [ 2 ]
- Malkin said he could also leave the league at the end of the season [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- What Ovechkin said in the statement Malkin was responding to The documents refer to Ovechkin’s statement but do not quote it or describe its contents.
- Whether Malkin has set a firm date or decision on retiring Carried by RBC only, and framed as a possibility Malkin did not rule out rather than a decision.