Malkin Dismisses Rumors
Justin Maffei | Pittsburgh Penguins
Jun 13, 07:56 AM | Hype this story!
Evgeni Malkin has been rumored to desire a contract exceeding team captain Sidney Crosby’s $8.7 million/year deal. However, it appears Malkin may be easier to sign than has been reported.
So what can we expect Malkin’s contract to look like?
“I’m thinking maybe five or six years,” said Malkin. “I’m an easy guy to deal with. I’d love to stay in Pittsburgh.”
He also said he feels that he will be signing an extension soon after July 1, the first day allowed by the collective bargaining agreement.
Malkin denied other rumors that have been discussed recently, such as the need to top Sidney Crosby’s annual salary. Nor does he feel his contract needs to be similar to Alexander Ovechkin’s 13-year/$124 million deal.
Additionally, as if anyone believed it, Malkin will not be traded this summer.
“Those are just rumors,” Malkin said. “I don’t even pay attention to those.”
This is all very good news for the Penguins. Malkin signing for less than expected could give GM Ray Shero more flexibility with his remaining free agents. Hopefully, Malkin will be the first of many to choose team success over money. If so, we may be looking at a good off-season.
Comments
Jonathan Farzalo
Jun 13, 08:34 AM
thankfully, perhaps now people will lay off the ‘trade malkin” or “he wants a 30 year, 300 million $ contract” garbage
Dabich
Jun 13, 10:09 AM
I’m glad he stepped up and PUBLICLY announced his intentions. Tihs way, he can be an example for others to follow when it comes to negotiating new contracts. Gotta give Malkie a lot of credit!
Pens1967
Jun 13, 10:43 AM
This is definately good news. IMHO, a lot of
things started because Malkin is reluctant to speak in English. (He was doing ok until his reply about being “tired” was roundly misinterpreted; since then he’s always had Gonchar or Birman with him to interpret.) No one knew what he was thinking so they speculated and thus the crazy rumors.
Pens1967
Jun 15, 08:07 AM
I’m non-plussed the inane talk about the Pens trading Malkin continues to be fodder for columnists like Joe Starkey.
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