Milbury Suggests Malkin To Return To Russia
Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins
Jun 5, 09:57 AM | Hype this story!
Last night, after the game, Mike Milbury suggested that the Penguins’ time was now, and that the future isn’t as bright as some suggest.
For a clip of his comments, click here.
According to Milbury, “Evgeni Malkin, there’s talk of him being traded. There’s talk of him going to the Russian Super Elite League.”
Take it with a grain of salt.
He also mentions that retaining Marian Hossa and Brooks Orpik will prove to be difficult tasks for general manager Ray Shero, who is facing what could be the most important offseason of his young career.
Comments
Dabich
Jun 5, 10:16 AM
The Malkin rumor I’m sure is just that….BS talk.
Now, on the other hand, we already know the Hossa and Orpik signings will be difficult if not impossible. Again, time tells all…
Mike Adams
Jun 5, 10:44 AM
Consider the source. Matt, I am surprised you would even publicize anything that comes out of Mike Milbury’s mouth. This speculation is ludicrous beyond reason. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking on Mad Mike’s part since he is rumored to be up for the SJ job, and would love to get a guy like Malkin to replace a choker like Thornton.
Matt Bodenschatz
Jun 5, 10:48 AM
Yeah, I debated whether or not to post this, but I figured it was worth discussing. Clearly, I feel it is total BS. Why would Shero even ponder dealing Malkin? There’s absolutely no reason. None. As for returning to Russia, yeah right. It’s not happening.
Nathan
Jun 5, 01:05 PM
I agree with Mike, Milbury doesn’t need to be discussed in any way.
Andrew R
Jun 5, 02:30 PM
Malkin does not exude passion like a Crosby, but he deeply cares about winning and contributing to the team. His heavy frustration was evident in the finals. I highly doubt a player of his caliber and pride would let that Stanley Cup final loss be his NHL exit.
And as for trading him, which has also been reported by Bob McKenzie, I highly doubt that as well. Everytime Lemieux or Shero refers to core players they want to retain, they include Malkin. You do not simply trade away a 21-year old Hart trophy finalist, especially not with one more year on an entry level contract.
Pens1967
Jun 5, 05:15 PM
Here’s a twist from a caller to 1250 ESPN a few minutes ago. This caller said this rumor might be the result of the payment issue between the NHL and the Russian Hockey Federation. Remember Magnitogorsk wanted more than the std 200k for Malkin’s rights. The implication was that his former Russian team might be trying to find some sort of legal action to get him back and then extort money from the Pens. Interestingly, after Malkin skipped the country, the labor laws were rewritten so that Russian workers, including players, can no longer just give 2 weeks notice and void contracts.
FWIW.
Eric
Jun 5, 07:42 PM
Apparently Mad Mike made a trip back to Long Island to hit his “stash” before making this statement. There’s a reason why he’s the worst GM in the NHL in the past 10 years. I would rather have a blind Larry Brooks and Bryan Murray run a team instead of Milbury.
Did anyone ask him if he wanted a bag of pucks for Luongo,again?
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