Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin have spent more than two decades helping define a very special era of hockey together.
After growing up in the same Russian junior hockey circles, the two phenoms entered the NHL in the same draft class, became two of the league’s all-time stars, battled each other countless times in the Penguins-Capitals rivalry, and eventually became close, if not best friends. Now, with Ovechkin announcing that the 2026-27 campaign will be his last NHL season, Malkin knows that special era is nearing its end.
Given the significance of Ovechkin’s announcement, Malkin broke his longtime tradition of not talking to media after morning skates, opening up to reporters about his relationship with his longtime rival.
Evgeni Malkin speaks about Alex Ovechkin’s retirement announcement
“I mean, [Ovechkin’s] done everything,” Malkin said Monday. “He’s played 22 years; probably, he understand league really good. You know, it’s not easy. It’s same like myself; maybe it’s my last year too, but I still love this game.”
Malkin, who also signed a one-year contract to extend his career this past summer, understands better than most what Ovechkin is facing. They both still love playing in the NHL, but the physical demands of doing it nearly every other night are intense, especially at 40 and 41 years old.
“It’s not easy to play every game,” Malkin said. “But it’s hard because he’s legend. Fans love him. He’s doing everything for team, for league. I hope he play good this year, no injury. He just stay healthy, score goals, and enjoy the game.”
Last season, Malkin and the Penguins got a preview of what Ovechkin’s final games could look like, as the Capitals and Pens played what was jointly billed as potentially Ovechkin’s final home game and his last matchup against Pittsburgh. Malkin, along with Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang, posed with Ovechkin for a photo during warmups.
However, after the game, Ovechkin gave perhaps the biggest sign that he wasn’t calling it quits just yet, waving off Malkin and the rest of the Penguins, who had begun to line up for a handshake line. Malkin was asked Monday whether Ovechkin’s new announcement would similarly change how important the four Capitals-Penguins matchups feel this year.
“Every game special,” Malkin said. “When we started 2006-07, like every game against Sid and Ovi, it’s special night. Remember like last year, we think maybe he play last game but now like couple more games, maybe a couple more pictures together.
“When he’s retired, of course, it’s sad day for everybody, but he’s legend. And it’s always fun to play against Washington, against him, play teammates, play against him. He’s good friend. Again, I send him positive vibes, and I hope he enjoys this year.”
Monday’s news put Malkin in a reflective mood as he thought back to an early moment in his and Ovechkin’s intertwined careers: the 2004 NHL Draft. Ovechkin was the consensus number-one overall pick to Washington, and Malkin was expected to go immediately after him to Pittsburgh, but that didn’t stop the young Russian from getting nervous as he waited to hear his name called.
“We sit always together, and I think he understand, and I understand he’s number one for sure, but after he’s official number one, I remember I start nervous because I think maybe I’m not second, maybe I’m third, fourth, and I start shaking my hands,” Malkin said. “But it’s special night, too. Lots of good memories together. We always try support each other, try play hard, and show best. And again, it’s 22 years ago. It’s crazy. But again, like, we’ve done everything.”
As Malkin indicated, the two truly have accomplished just about everything imaginable over their illustrious, long careers in the NHL. Beyond becoming two of the most recognizable faces of their generation, they’ve jointly claimed 20 NHL All-Star Game appearances, two Calder Trophies, three Art Ross Trophies, four Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythe Trophies, four Hart Trophies, and four Ted Lindsay/Lester B. Pearson Awards.
While Malkin and Ovechkin have grown close as they’ve gotten older, their relationship wasn’t always smooth sailing. Ovechkin reportedly punched Malkin’s agent, Gennady Ushakov, in the face in 2007, and it was thought their contentious on-ice behavior around that time stemmed from that incident.
They seemingly resolved their differences soon after, and Malkin is now happy that the two can consider each other good friends.
“I remember it’s a tough situation, but it’s all behind,” Malkin said. “And yeah, it’s not perfect all the time; it’s like same me and Sid. We’re human, and it’s hard to be always perfect. We all know Sid perfect, but I’m not. And again, yeah, it’s like sometimes we need to talk a little bit more. Sometimes like tough situation, but it’s good. Like now we have families, we have good friends. And again, I always support his family, support him. I’m glad we’re still friends.”
The Capitals and Penguins will face off in Washington’s home opener on Wednesday night. They’ll then have three more meetings dispersed throughout the calendar, culminating with a final April 4 outing at Capital One Arena.
