Evgeni Malkin Injury: Updates on Penguins Star's Elbow and Recovery

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin is dealing with an elbow injury, which could require surgery following the Penguins' 2016 Stanley Cup Final victory.

Continue for updates. 

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Malkin, Rutherford Comment on Potential Surgery

Thursday, June 16

Malkin revealed he is unsure if he will need surgery to repair his elbow, as he is still waiting on his MRI results, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Seth Rorabaugh. 

Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford said that Malkin's elbow injury is "real serious" and that Malkin returned "earlier than most players would have," per Rorabaugh.

Rutherford noted there is a "50-50 chance" Malkin will need surgery, per Dave Molinari of the Post-Gazette. 

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Malkin Vital to Penguins' Chances of Repeating in 2017

Malkin, 29, remains one of the Penguins' most important players. He tallied 58 points (27 goals, 31 assists) during the 2015-16 regular season.  

The severity of Malkin's injury is unknown, but should he need surgery, it would be wise to complete it as soon as possible before the regular season starts. Still, the Penguins have Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel to lean on for scoring should Malkin need to miss time. The important thing for the Penguins is to ensure Malkin is healthy for next year's playoffs for a chance to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.