Although his actions might indicate otherwise, Evgeni Malkin is anxious to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The 20-year-old Russian forward has reworked his contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in favour of a one-year deal, the Russian super club reported Monday on its website.
Malkin, drafted second overall in 2004 by Pittsburgh, had two years left on his deal with Metallurg. His new contract means he will become a free agent and will be free to join the Penguins in 2007.
Evgeni Malkin led Russian super club Metallurg Magnitogorsk with 47 points in 46 games last season.
(Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
But even though the Russian sniper is contracted to Metallurg, Malkin's agent, JP Barry, told the Associated Press in a telephone interview that Malkin indicated to him he wants to play in the NHL this season.
Malkin also has been quoted in Russia as saying he wants to play in Pittsburgh soon.
"His wish is to play in the NHL, and in Pittsburgh," Barry said. "We will continue to talk to him about his future, and we will decide the best course for him at this time."
Since Russia decided not to honour the International Ice Hockey Federation's latest transfer agreement with the NHL, it has become increasingly difficult for NHL teams to bring over their Russian prospects.
Top Russian clubs want to negotiate their own transfer fees for star players such as Malkin. Metallurg is believed to want $2 million US or more for Malkin's rights.
Under the old agreement, all of the Russian super league clubs would have to split a basic $200,000 US fee for Malkin.
Malkin led the Russian team with 47 points in 46 games last season.
The talented forward is considered one of the top prospects not playing in the NHL, and is part of a young Penguins core that includes Sidney Crosby and 2006 first-round pick Jordan Staal.
Malkin has been compared to NHL stars Mats Sundin and Vincent Lecavalier for his long reach and goal-scoring ability.
