Possible departure from Pittsburgh and controversial offer: Evgeni Makin comments and sends a clear message

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MarcO
May 17, 2022 (9:41 PM)

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We told you about it yesterday and it is an extremely hot issue in the hockey world right now.

Several sources have recently spoken out about Evgeni Malkin's future in Pittsburgh, and the least we can say is that it's not very promising.

Here are three reliable sources, all pointing in the same direction (as we reported yesterday):

1- Ray Ferraro (TSN):

"I would be amazed if Malkin is back in Pittsburgh. What is he going to do? Play for $4 million? No way." - Ferraro

2- Rob Rossi (Penguins Reporter for The Athletic):

"I wouldn't expect Malkin, Letang or Rust to be back with the Penguins." - Rossi

3- Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet)

"The Penguins and Malkin really aren't close to a deal, from what I'm told." - Rossi

Reporter Rob Rossi went on to say that Malkin reportedly received a ridiculous offer from the Penguins, a three-year, $5 million per season contract offer. In addition to being controversial, the offer reportedly even angered team captain Sidney Crosby...

Today, it was finally the turn of the main interested party to speak about these rumours and his future (in Pittsburgh):

I understand it's a business, a business. I love this city, I love these fans so much. But if the team wants some young guys and some new guys and says to me, 'You should move on,' that's fine. But for sure, I hope to stay here - I hope to retire here - Evgeni Malkin

And the star forward adds this:

It's unbelievable (how he loves Crosby and Letang). They're like my two brothers, a Canadian and a French Canadian. It's not just hockey, it's life. We spend so much time together. Sid is a great guy. He's my favourite player, my favourite guy. [I still want to play in a final or a semi-final and I think we still have a chance if I stay here. We have a great organisation, a great coach and we still have a chance to win. - Evgeni Malkin

He's sending a clear message. He wants to come back to Pittsburgh, along with Crosby and Letang, but for that to happen, he'll need the cooperation of the bosses.

Malkin, 35, is coming off a contract paying $9.5 million a season. He has 42 points (20 goals) in 41 games this season and 6 points in 7 playoff games.

In light of all this, where would you see him next year?

Source: TVA Sports