Speculation surrounding the contract status of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin continues as General Manager Kyle Dubas has maintained silence on the matter. While Malkin himself has made public statements that have been described as unpredictable and designed to create “maximum chaos,” sources close to the situation suggest that discussions have occurred.
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, who spoke on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio, Dubas has declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations. Friedman noted that Malkin is a complex personality, making it difficult to gauge his true intentions. However, Friedman also indicated that Dubas’s silence typically signifies that he is fully aware of the situation but chooses not to disclose details, likely out of respect for Malkin’s privacy and his feelings on the matter.
Malkin has expressed a desire to retire as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. After an impressive season where he posted 61 points (19 goals, 42 assists), many anticipate that he will reach an agreement to continue his career with the team. Initially, Malkin had expressed frustration with the timing of contract talks but reportedly came around after speaking with Dubas. Despite his enigmatic public persona, the prevailing expectation is that Malkin will return for another season.
Dubas’s Silence Hints at Agreement with Malkin
During a discussion on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio’s Morning Skate with Scott Laughlin and Gord Stellick, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet addressed the contract situation involving Evgeni Malkin and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Laughlin inquired about any updates, noting the lack of public information and the general assumption that Malkin would return.
Friedman confirmed that discussions have taken place between Dubas and Malkin’s camp. However, he stated that Dubas has been unwilling to discuss the matter. Friedman characterized Malkin as a “total wild man” whose comments often aim for maximum disruption, making him difficult to read. He referenced Malkin’s recent remark about Alex Ovechkin playing next year as an example of his unpredictable nature.
Regarding Dubas’s reticence, Friedman explained that based on his experience with the Penguins GM, such silence usually means Dubas knows precisely what is happening but chooses not to reveal it. In this specific instance, Friedman believes the silence is particularly due to Malkin’s personal feelings on the matter, and Dubas wishes to avoid compromising that by speaking publicly.
Translation to English:
Dubas Knows What He Wants to Do with Malkin
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet joined Sirius XM NHL Network Radio’s Morning Skate with Scott Laughlin and Gord Stellick and was asked about the latest involving the Pittsburgh Penguins and Evgeni Malkin.
Expectations Are That Evgeni Malkin Will Return Next Season
Scott Laughlin: “Any update Friedge, from what you’ve heard, with regards to Malkin? He’s on an expiring contract. We had been led to assume all throughout this process that Kyle Dubas was going to speak with the Malkin’s camp during the Olympics. It’s been really quiet for Malkin. Are we just assuming he’s coming back?”
Elliotte Friedman: “They did talk, and they did talk, and I’ve asked, but Dubas won’t address it. And, the thing about Malkin is he’s a total wild man, right? And I say it and with laughing respect. Whenever he says something, he goes for the maximum chaos. And you just can’t, like, it’s funny, like, I think he’s really hilarious, and you just can’t, you can’t figure it out.
Like, if he’s serious, or, like, he came out the other day, he’s like, Oh, I think (Alex) Ovechkin is playing again next year. Like, it’s the exact opposite of what everybody expected him to say and think. So, I just find he’s a really difficult guy to get a read on.
When Dubas shuts down like that. My history with him is he knows exactly what’s going on, and he just doesn’t want to say, and in this particular case, I think it’s because it’s probably got a lot to do with how Malkin feels, and he just doesn’t want to violate that.”
Note: The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in the playoffs. Evgeni Malkin had a great season, putting up 61 points (19 goals and 42 assists) in a resurgence in a contract season. Malkin wasn’t sure if he was coming at the beginning of the season. He needed to see how his body felt. But with the youthful energy in the locker room, Malkin found the fountain of youth.
He made some comments coming out of the Olympics, where he was upset that talks weren’t happening until after the season. However, he came around after talking to Dubas. But as Friedman pointed out, Malkin is such a wild man, and you have no idea what he will say.
But Malkin wants to retire as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
