Evgeni Malkin still believes the Penguins are Stanley Cup contenders

Evgeni Malkin apologized Wednesday.

Walking into the media room of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ facility in Cranberry to speak publicly for the first time in six months, Malkin expressed remorse over not wearing a face mask to the assembled but socially distanced reporters in front of him.

But he had a good reason.

“If I use mask, you not understand me,” Malkin quipped. “I not talk six months, maybe my English not good!”

Malkin’s English is more than fine, as is his trademark wit.

And his right knee — which was injured severely last season — appears to be close to fully recovered.

In recent weeks, the team’s franchise center has rejoined his teammates and increased his level of participation incrementally. Over the past three days, he has been engaged in some contact and has been participating in line rushes as well as special teams drills.

“Every day I feel it is better and better,” said Malkin, who underwent surgery a few days after the team’s season concluded in May. “Now, I’m starting to skate with the team and almost full contact.

“The last six months, it’s not fun. It’s not easy. I was injured, my knee injury. It’s (a) long progress. I have surgery after last season. It’s slow every day.

“But now, it’s more fun. I’d like to get back with (the) team. I hope I play soon.”

When that might happen remains to be seen. Malkin, who has been on long-term injured reserve all season, did provide some semblance of a time frame, however. He ruled out the team’s next game, a home contest against the San Jose Sharks, but suggested an upcoming six-game road trip that primarily takes the Penguins through the western United States between Jan. 6 and Jan. 17 was a possibility.

“No, not Sunday for sure,” Malkin said. “I can’t say 100% when I (come) back. But I hope like next week, like maybe 10 days. But it’s a slow process. The last (few) days, a couple of practices with the team and coach let, a couple of times, me (work on the) power play. Sunday, no chance. But when we have a long (road trip primarily in the Western United States), maybe like one of these games for sure.”

Malkin initially was injured March 16 during a 2-1 home loss to the Boston Bruins. A knee-on-knee collision with former Bruins defenseman Jarred Tinordi sidelined him for 23 games. After returning to the lineup in May, he appeared to aggravate his right knee in the regular-season finale, a 1-0 home win against the Buffalo Sabres on May 8 when Sabres forward Dylan Cozens checked him.

After missing the first two games of the Penguins’ first-round series against the New York Islanders, Malkin was able to play in their final four games. He gritted through his injury and produced a strong five points (one goal, four assists) as the Penguins were eliminated.

“I was injured (during the March 16) Boston game last year,” Malkin said. “I did (an) MRI the next day. We had (a) discussion with (the doctor). It (was) a hard discussion. He said, ‘You can try to play without surgery. It’s your option.’ I wanted to play in the playoffs last year. We had a great team. I think we had a chance. I practiced a couple of times, used (a) brace. I (felt) fine but a little bit worried if somebody hit me like in the corner and my knee (was) not strong. (After) we lost in the first round, I did (another) MRI. The second MRI showed a little bit worse (conditions). It was (a) hard choice. We talked (a) couple days. We need surgery. I want to play maybe three, four years more and I don’t want (to) worry every game about my knee.

“Now, my knee is like 200% stronger.”

This isn’t the first time Malkin has had to recover from a significant right knee injury. Midway through the 2010-11 season, he missed the final 36 games of the regular season and playoffs because of an injury. After rehabilitating, he rebounded in 2011-12 with what remains the signature season of his career during which he won the Hart Memorial Award as MVP and the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s top scorer.

“Last year was not great with the knee,” Malkin said. “But sometimes it happens. … (In 2011), I had my best year (in 2011-12). I look forward, I look the same way (now). I have a tough six months but look forward.”

Just over six months from now, Malkin’s current contract is set to expire, and there has been plenty of curiosity on if he will re-sign with the Penguins.

The 35-year-old did not offer much insight on that matter Wednesday but did offer another repartee on his future.

“I (do) not think about my contract. I (do) not think about money,” Malkin said. “I’m like (a) pretty rich guy. I have (had) a tough year. I want to get back to my level of (the) game. We have (a) great group. We have great coaches. I miss hockey so much. I want to enjoy every game. I know it’s a little bit not easy, but I want to play maybe three, four more years and I feel I can.”

As for the remainder of this season, Malkin feels the current edition of the Penguins — 17-8-5 and in the top wild-card spot of the Eastern Conference standings — can enjoy substantial success.

“This year, I think we have still a chance to play (in the Stanley Cup Final) for sure,” Malkin boasted. “I’m (happy) with what I see on our team. I hope I give more power (to) this group.”

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