There was a time many people thought Evgeni Malkin would retire with the Pittsburgh Penguins, however it now appears he has plans to end his career in Russia.

Malkin has two years remaining on his contract with the Penguins, and at 37-years-old, its unlikely he is going to win a Stanley Cup with them, as the team isn’t ready to compete at that level in the near future.

A Russian journalist recently spoke to Malkin, where he announced that despite enjoying playing his entire career in the NHL with the Penguins, he’d really enjoy playing out his final professional days back in his homeland of Russia.

“It’s hard to make plans about a return,” he said. “I still have two years left on my contract with Pittsburgh. I need to play these two years and see how it goes. The main thing is no injuries, and if, as Pavel Datsyuk says, there’s a fire burning, you can’t go out and do the number without it.”

Only two years ago, Malkin appeared to really have wanted to finish out his career in Pittsburgh, but that seems to have now changed, as he is leaning more towards Russia for his farewell party.

Evgeni Malkin said today he would like to retire as a #Penguins player. But.

“I understand it’s a business. I love this city, I love these fans so much. But if the team wants young blood and new guys & says ‘you should move on’, I’m fine.

I hope I retire here”⁦@KDKA

Despite his age, Evgeni Malkin suited up in all 82 games for the Penguins for the second straight season, proving to everyone he’s a true iron man. He managed to score 27 goals and get 67 total points for the team last season.