Today, it was reported that Evgeni Malkin reached an agreement with Metallurg Magnitogorsk to play in the upcoming KHL season if an NHL lockout occurred. With the way talks have gone between league officials and the NHLPA, it seems extremely likely Malkin will be playing hockey in Russia before the 2014 Olympic games.
Malkin is one of many players planning to head overseas in the event of a lockout. Ilya Kovalchuk, Alexander Ovechkin, and Pavel Datsyuk are all rumored to have an interest in returning to their home country.
The good news is, the contract will only last as long as the lockout. Once a new CBA is agreed upon, Malkin will be allowed to return to the Pittsburgh Penguins; this time, without much resistance. Evgeni Malkin has two seasons remaining on his contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In three seasons (2003-2006) with Metallurg, Malkin registered 91 points.
Photo courtesy of NHLPA.com
