Evgeni Malkin says he wants to come to North America and play in the NHL for the Pittsburgh Penguins. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
NEWSMAKER
Evgeni Malkin
The budding Russian hockey star has made quite a name for himself on – and off – the ice
By John Molinaro, CBC Sports
He hasn't even played in the NHL yet, but Evgeni Malkin is caught in the middle of a high stakes game of tug-of-war between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Russian Super League team Metallurg Magnitogorsk.
The exciting young centre is the latest superstar in waiting to come off what seems like an endless Russian hockey production line that has given the hockey world the likes of Alexander Ovechkin and Ilya Kovalchuk.
But exactly when the 20-year-old Malkin will make his NHL debut could be out of his hands and instead decided by the American court system.
As a teenaged prospect, Malkin was selected second overall (behind Ovechkin) by Pittsburgh in the 2004 draft. The talented prospect didn't immediately jump to the NHL, though, choosing to remain with hometown club Metallurg in order to hone his skills before signing with the Penguins.
Malkin stayed in Russia last season after the country's hockey federation refused to sign a transfer agreement allowing its players to leave for the NHL in return for a $200,000 US payment. Many top Russian clubs, including Metallurg, believe their star players' rights are worth much more, and want to negotiate directly with NHL teams.
Malkin recently reworked his contract with Metallurg in favour of a one-year deal, allowing him to join the Penguins in 2007. But even though he is still contracted to Metallurg, Malkin was quoted in Russian newspapers as saying he wanted to play in Pittsburgh this coming season.
Malkin mysteriously bolted from Metallurg on Saturday after the team arrived in Helsinki for a training camp, leaving with his belongings and passport and, possibly, a Canadian visa, according to reports.
Penguins vice-president Tom McMillan has remained silent on Malkin's situation, but NHL insiders expect the Russian forward to report to Pittsburgh's rookie camp next month. If he does, the Penguins can expect legal action from Metallurg, which has already said it will sue the NHL club.
All of which leads to one question: who, exactly, is Evgeni Malkin?
Malkin is considered to be the best hockey player in the world not playing in the NHL. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
Ask any pro scout and they will tell you the young Russian sniper is the best hockey player in the world not playing in the NHL.
"Evgeni Malkin is the best player outside the NHL right now and it isn't even close … He's unbelievable scary and he can beat you in so many areas and in so many ways," Maple Leafs pro scout Craig Button told the Toronto Star last December.
Malkin has been compared to Mats Sundin and Vincent Lecavalier for his long reach and playmaking ability. He has also been likened to Mario Lemieux and Jean Believeau for his smooth skating and visionary passing skills.
The Russian star is a sensational package of size (six foot three), and skill (a wicked slapshot and excellent puck control), and an explosive scorer who can break a game wide open with his speed and acceleration on the ice.
What's refreshing about Malkin is that he's also a solid two-way player. Malkin has won praise for his sound defensive play – he's an expert at reading the play and intercepting passes – and has demonstrated acute awareness at both ends of the ice.
The son of a former Russian hockey league defenceman, Malkin is a product of Metallurg's hockey school and was a mainstay on Russia's national junior team for several years.
He made his Russian Super League debut during the 2003-04 season, but saw limited ice time as a fourth-line centre. Malkin eventually worked his way up the team's pecking order and had a breakout campaign in 2005-06, exploding for 47 points in 46 games.
Malkin first made a name for himself on the international stage at this year's world junior hockey championships in Vancouver when he was voted the top forward (he finished tied for second in the scoring race with 10 points) and tournament MVP as he helped Russia earn the silver medal.
His stellar form for the juniors did not go unnoticed by Russian national coach Vladimir Krikunov, who named Malkin to Russia's Olympic men's hockey team. Although playing alongside teammates with far more experience, Malkin distinguished himself in Italy by recording six points in seven games to guide Russia to a fourth-place finish.
If there's a criticism of Malkin, it's that he isn't a naturally physical player. Although he has proven to be hard to knock off the puck, Malkin, according to scouts, needs to bulk up in order to be more effective along the boards.
That said, there's no denying Malkin's talent and that he has the potential to become a franchise centre on a young and exciting Pittsburgh team that includes Sidney Crosby and 2006 first-round pick Jordan Staal.
CBC stories
- Russian hockey star 'safe': agents
- Aug. 14, 2006
- Malkin flees Russian club: report
- Aug. 12, 2006
Quick Facts
Born: July 31, 1986 in Magnitogorsk, Russia.
Pro career: Played the last three seasons for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the Russian Super League. He has 36 goals and 91 points in 132 games for Metallurg.
Honours: Helped Russia earn a silver medal and was named the top forward and tournament MVP of the 2006 world junior hockey championships.
All in the family: Evgeni's father Vladimir, a defenceman, also played for Metallurg Magnitogorsk.
