Malkin - "I am 95% certain I will cross the pond."

Russian Hockey Digest is now reporting that Penguins prospect Evgeni Malkin will more than likely play in the NHL next season. They are running with an interview Malkin did with Sports Express, a Russian news outlet. In the interview Malkin expresses his "great desire to come to the best league in the world" and "I think, now is the time for me to play for Pittsburgh." Malkin goes on to mention that he had a hematoma removed from his hip or leg and that is why he is skating with the junior team in Metallurg. When asked if he understood that his management and coaching staff in Russia are heavily counting on him, he answered: "Of course, I understand, but I have a desire to play in the NHL." When Malkin is asked if his agent is encouraging him to go to North America, he answers: "Yes, and quite insistently."

Here is a link to the translated interview on Russian Hockey Digest. http://rushockey.com/events.php?i=nhl&stream=nhl_news&id=509

This is very good news in light of the events of yesterday. Malkin seems to feel that everything will be worked out when Metallurg gets back from playing in the UFA pre-season tournament. Hopefully he is right. It is time for him to come to the NHL and prove that he is a world class talent. Malkin recently turned 20 and would have to be considered a pre-season favorite to win the Calder trophy as Rookie of the Year.

If Malkin is held up, this will be the second season in a row that the Pittsburgh Penguins will be left without a true number 2 centerman behind Sidney Crosby.