It was the first time the media had a chance to ask Malkin about not being named to the NHL's Top 100 all-time players during the unveiling ceremony at the All-Star weekend.
"I'm trying to forget," Malkin joked.
Many of Malkin's teammates, and even co-owner Mario Lemieux, have voiced their disagreement with the NHL's decision, as well as many vocal fans on social media.
Malkin noticed.
"I'm proud of what the team said and what Mario said. I'm proud of my family, fans and my friends supporting me," Malkin said. "I did my best. There's nothing I can do. The 100 players are legends. They deserve to be on the list."
Malkin hopes next year the league does another list, with a name update.
"Maybe next year the NHL is 101 and maybe they'll send me a great black jacket and I will be No. 101," he laughed.
Malkin would seem to be a lock among the NHL's greatest considering his career accomplishments. He's won two Stanley Cup championships, two NHL scoring titles, a league MVP, and most importantly, a playoff MVP trophy.
Apparently, that wasn't enough. But Malkin has a solution.
"Maybe I'll win a couple more trophies, a couple more Stanley Cups," he said.
