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Beaner
08-07-2006, 10:32 AM
from tsn.ca


According to a release on the Metallurg Magnitogorsk website, Russian centre Evgeni Malkin has signed a new contract and will play in Russia for the 2006-2007 season.

Widely regarded as the top prospect outside the NHL, Malkin was drafted second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2004.

The 20 year-old did have a contract with Magnitogorsk that ran through 2008, but that has reportedly been replaced by this new one-year deal, after which Malkin will become a free agent and presumably able to sign with the Penguins.

There has been no shortage of drama since Malkin decided to stay in Russia last season. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Malkin has just fired agent Don Meehan and returned to Pat Brisson and J.P. Barry, who had represented Malkin before he left in June to join Meehan.

Since the Russians decided not to honour the International Ice Hockey Federation's latest transfer agreement with the National Hockey League, there have been complications for NHL teams trying to bring over their Russian prospects, none more prominent than the Penguins with Malkin.

SectionNDeserter
08-07-2006, 01:50 PM
Magnitogorsk.... Pittsburgh.... either way he is going to be on a team largely comprised of sub-nhl players. Only difference between the two is he might make a few hundred thousand more with Pittsburgh this year, and with Magnitorgorsk, he actually has a chance of not finishing in last place.

Scout
08-07-2006, 08:02 PM
Although his actions might indicate otherwise, Evgeni Malkin is anxious to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins.


Evgeni Malkin led Russian super club Metallurg Magnitogorsk with 47 points in 46 games last season.
(Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
The 20-year-old Russian forward has reworked his contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk in favour of a one-year deal, the Russian super club reported Monday on its website.

Malkin, drafted second overall in 2004 by Pittsburgh, had two years left on his deal with Metallurg. His new contract means he will become a free agent and will be free to join the Penguins in 2007.

But even though the Russian sniper is contracted to Metallurg, Malkin's agent, JP Barry, told the Associated Press in a telephone interview that Malkin indicated to him he wants to play in the NHL this season.

Malkin also has been quoted in Russia as saying he wants to play in Pittsburgh soon.

"His wish is to play in the NHL, and in Pittsburgh," Barry said. "We will continue to talk to him about his future, and we will decide the best course for him at this time."

Since Russia decided not to honour the International Ice Hockey Federation's latest transfer agreement with the NHL, it has become increasingly difficult for NHL teams to bring over their Russian prospects.

Top Russian clubs want to negotiate their own transfer fees for star players such as Malkin. Metallurg is believed to want $2 million US or more for Malkin's rights.

Under the old agreement, all of the Russian super league clubs would have to split a basic $200,000 US fee for Malkin.

Malkin led the Russian team with 47 points in 46 games last season.

The talented forward is considered one of the top prospects not playing in the NHL, and is part of a young Penguins core that includes Sidney Crosby and 2006 first-round pick Jordan Staal.

Malkin has been compared to NHL stars Mats Sundin and Vincent Lecavalier for his long reach and goal-scoring ability.

Scout

SeventhHeaven4U
08-12-2006, 10:43 PM
It looks like Malkin may be pulling a Mogilny.... it appears he has left the team with his passport in hand. His agent can't be reached for comment. I don't have the link, but its in the SI.com site. I thought it was rather interesting his restaurant had a "jailhouse" theme to it... perhaps its a reference to being held unwillingly by the Russian team when he wants to so badly play for the Pens. I can't wait to see him in a Pens uniform and competing with/against Crosby n Ovechkin!!!

nivek_wahs
08-12-2006, 10:59 PM
from tsn.ca http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=174058&hubname=


Report: Malkin leaves Russian Club

TSN.ca Staff
8/12/2006 4:34:54 PM

It appears the future of Evgeni Malkin has taken another bizarre twist.

According to Reuters, the Russian news agency Itar-Tass is reporting that Malkin has left his Russian club Metallurg Magnitogorsk during training camp in Finland.

Malkin, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins second overall in 2004 behind Alexander Ovechkin, reportedly disappeared, taking his belongings and passport with him. Earlier this week, the Russian star reworked his two-year contract with Metallurg Magnitogorsk and agreed to a new one-year deal.

Malkin has made no secret of his wishes to play with the Penguins in the National Hockey League. But the Russian Ice Hockey Federation has yet to sign a transfer deal with the NHL and Malkin has found himself in the middle of the impasse.

The previous transfer agreement would have seen Metallurg Magnitogorsk receive just $200,000 in exchange for Malkin.

There has been no shortage of drama since Malkin decided to stay in Russia last season. J.P. Barry has confirmed to TSN that he and Pat Brisson have taken over the hockey management side of IMG, whom Malkin fired in June, and Malkin has left Don Meehan and returned to be represented by Barry and Brisson.

"His wish is to play in the NHL, and in Pittsburgh," Barry told the AP. "We will continue to talk to him about his future, and we will decide the best course for him at this time."

A premier offensive talent, Malkin led Magnitogork with 47 points in 46 games last season. The 6-foot-3 pivot was expected, along with phenom Sidney Crosby, to give the Penguins an elite one-two punch down the middle.

nivek_wahs
08-12-2006, 11:00 PM
From sportsnet.ca http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20060812_185933_5560


Malkin goes AWOL from team

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Evgeni Malkin, the star forward and Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick who has said repeatedly he wants to play in the NHL, left his Russian pro team during a training camp in Finland on Saturday, various Russian news services reported.

It was uncertain whether Malkin bolted from the team in an attempt to get to North America and play for the Penguins this season, but the Itar-Tass news agency, citing a source within the club, reported Malkin took his belongings and passport with him.

Malkin's departure from Metallurg Magnitogorsk of Russia's Super League would be yet another unexpected turn in an ever-changing story in which the Olympics star renegotiated his Russian contract from two seasons to one season last week, at the same time his North American-based agents were saying he wants to play in the NHL as soon as possible.

Malkin's agent, JP Barry, didn't immediately return a phone message. Penguins spokesman Tom McMillan said the club had no comment on the report.

In another curious twist, the Russian daily newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda reported last week that Malkin recently opened a new restaurant in Metallurg designed to resemble a Russian jail, complete with bars on the windows, aluminum forks, waitresses in striped prison garb and portraits of Soviet dictators. Malkin was quoted as saying he wanted to open similar restaurants in other Russian cities.

Malkin was the No. 2 pick in the 2004 draft behind last year's NHL rookie of the year, fellow Russian Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. But he did not play in the NHL last season because the league lacked a transfer agreement with the Russian ice hockey federation.

This spring, it appeared Russia would go along with a transfer agreement already reached with the main European ice hockey federations and the International Ice Hockey Federation calling for a $200,000 US transfer fee paid to each country when one of its players left for the NHL. But, apparently because the Mettalurg team felt Malkin's rights were worth 10 times that amount, Russia has not signed the agreement.

However, Malkin's former agent, Don Meehan, said Russian law allowed Malkin to leave his team -- despite having a signed contract -- merely by submitting a letter of resignation. Malkin, under heavy pressure to stay with his Russian team, presumably may have renegotiated his contract last weekend merely to buy time before deciding the best course to get to the NHL this season.

Barry told The Associated Press last week that, despite Russian news agency reports of the reworked contract, Malkin had every intention of trying to play for the Penguins soon. Barry and Pat Brisson were Malkin's agents until June, when Meehan took over, but have since been rehired by Malkin. They did not play any role in his Russian contract talks.

The six-foot-three Malkin is widely regarded in hockey circles as being the best player in the world not playing in the NHL. The Penguins badly want Malkin to join a youthful team that already includes Sidney Crosby, who had 102 points last season as an 18-year-old rookie, and Jordan Staal, the No. 2 pick in the recent NHL draft.

Malkin led Metallurg with 47 points, including 21 goals, in 46 games last season. He had two goals and four assists for Russia in the Turin Olympics.

If Malkin is attempting to defect while in Finland, he would be the best-known hockey player to do so since Alexander Mogilny left the Soviet Union team following the world junior championships in Sweden in 1989 and defected to the United States, so he could play for the Buffalo Sabres.

If Malkin does intend to play for the Penguins this season, his contract negotiations likely would go quickly. Under the NHL labour agreement, he would make slightly less than $1 million in salary, plus bonuses that would be negotiated with the team.

Beaner
08-13-2006, 12:41 PM
and the plot thickens...

from, www.tsn.ca




TSN.ca Staff

8/13/2006 11:16:24 AM

With star player Evgeni Malkin absent without leave, his Russian team will reportedly look for compensation through the courts.

According to Reuters, Russian Superleague hockey club Metallurg Magnitogorsk will go through the legal route to get compensation for the loss of Malkin.

"The players, coaching staff are very upset because for four days Malkin was training with the team and suddenly he is gone without saying a word to anyone," club head Gennady Velichkin told Reuters on Sunday.

Malkin, who was drafted second overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2004, was with the team in Finland for training camp when he disappeared with his belongings and passport on Saturday.

The 20-year-old Russian player had signed a deal with Metallurg Magnitogorsk that would have kept him in Russia until April 2008. However last week, he signed a new one-year deal with the team that would allow him to become a free agent and suit up with the Penguins in 2007-08.

Velichkin accused Malkin's agents and the Penguins of stealing his star player, who has made it clear that he wants to play in the NHL.

"His wish is to play in the NHL, and in Pittsburgh," Malkin's agent J.P. Barry said. "We will continue to talk to him about his future, and we will decide the best course for him at this time."

SectionNDeserter
08-13-2006, 01:11 PM
Ha ha, I think it is funny that they don't even know where he is, and they are talking about pursuing litigation for compensation for him. Maybe he moved to New Zeland and bought a sheep farm?

nivek_wahs
08-14-2006, 02:23 AM
from sportsnet.ca


Malkin case headed for court
August 13, 2006

Sportsnet.ca --The head of Russian team Metallurg Magnitogorsk told Reuters the club will take the Pittsburgh Penguins to court over the disappearance of the young Russian star.

"We're all in shock," Gennady Velichkin told the wire service.

Last week the Russian club announced that they had come to terms on a new one-year deal with Malkin which would allow Pittsburgh's number one pick in 2004 to leave Metallurg after next season. That annuled Malkin's old contract which would have kept him in Russia for two more seasons.

Velichkin said Malkin's American agents and his NHL club are to blame for Malkin's defection.

"They all like to talk about democracy, the American way and then they shamelessly steal our best players. This is pure sports terrorism," the Metallurg general director told Reuters.

The last paragraph is insane... terrorism? That's brutal. :dead:

Kristi
08-14-2006, 03:50 PM
Where in the World Is Evgeni Malkin?
By ALAN ROBINSON, AP Sports Writer
56 minutes ago

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins aren't saying where Russian star Evgeni Malkin is, or when they expect to see him. What they do know is he isn't in Russia and, as far as they are concerned, that's very good news.

The Malkin mystery continued Monday as the 20-year-old star remained out of sight after bolting from his Russian Super League team, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, on Saturday after it arrived for training camp in Helsinki, Finland.

Malkin left with his belongings and passport and, possibly, a Canadian visa. Malkin's former Russian agent, Sergei Isakov, told the Soviet Sport newspaper Malkin had the visa before leaving for Finland. Malkin's North American agents, JP Barry and Pat Brisson, would not confirm that or say where Malkin is, though they believe he is out of harm's way.

"I can tell you I think he is safe, but I cannot comment on anything else," Brisson told The Associated Press.

Penguins vice president Tom McMillan said the team had no comment on any issue regarding Malkin, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2004 draft and the player widely considered the best in the world not currently playing in the NHL.

That could change by early next month, when Malkin _ now that he is out of Russia _ is expected to sign with the Penguins, if he hasn't already done so, and report to their rookie camp.

Malkin, along with 19-year-old star Sidney Crosby, would immediately give the Penguins one of the best 1-2 center combinations in the NHL and would likely hasten their rebuilding effort following four consecutive last-place finishes.

Only last week, Malkin renegotiated his contract with Mettalurg to trim it to a one-year deal, covering this season, from the two seasons remaining on his former contract. However, Russian law apparently allows any employee to leave a job, even while under contract, by giving two weeks' notice.

Malkin stayed in Russia last season after the country's hockey federation refused to sign a transfer agreement allowing its players to leave for the NHL in return for a $200,000 payment. The Mettalurg team said Malkin's rights were worth far more than that, and it wanted a settlement in the millions of dollars.

Mettalurg, for whom Malkin's father, Vladimir, once played, immediately threatened to sue the Penguins after Malkin abandoned them. However, former Russian stars Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) and Nikolai Zherdev (Columbus Blue Jackets) left their teams in recent seasons for the NHL, and their Russian teams were unable to successfully sue for compensation.

"We all are really shocked by his departure and we will take legal actions against the NHL club Penguins from Pittsburgh," Metallurg general director Gennady Velichkin told Itar-Tass news agency. "Americans like to speak about democracy and teach the whole world how to live but engage in sport terrorism and simply steal people."

In January, a U.S. District Court judge threw out a case against the Capitals brought by his former club, Moscow Dynamo.

Another issue is whether Malkin's contract contained a clause that allowed him to leave for the NHL. He said in interviews last spring his deal had such a provision.

Malkin's departure hardly was a surprise, new contract or not. He has given numerous interviews saying he wanted to play in the NHL, and recently said he was "95 percent sure" he would play in North America this season.

Malkin's parents were quoted by the Russian newspaper Pravda as saying they hadn't talked to their son and did not know where he was.

"My son simply snapped, his nerves did not hold on," Vladimir Malkin said in the interview. "In the last moment, they persuaded him to stay in Magnitka, though his mind was already in the NHL. I understand him, but I don't support him. It was a childish act. Before I give my final assessment, I need to talk to him personally."

Natalia Malkin, Evgeni's mother, told the newspaper she and her husband tried to call their son but his phone was turned off. She also said, "The management of Mettalurg played on his patriotic feelings. He was not able to refuse. Though, afterward, he told me, `Mom, they (the Penguins) have already been waiting for me, and I promised.' He left for camp in Finland very disgruntled."

Another question is whether the Penguins may have secretly signed Malkin _ his salary of slightly less than $1 million is already established by the NHL labor agreement_ before he agreed to the reworked contract with his Russian team.

Malkin switched agents in June, from Barry and Brisson to Don Meehan, but went back with Barry and Brisson within the last 10 days. There wasn't, or isn't, much room for negotiations by any agent since Malkin's salary is already established, other than performance bonuses any deal is bound to contain.

Dwight Schrute
08-14-2006, 04:25 PM
poor kid
all he wants to do is play the game he loves, his coach and the russian league, are using him as a pawn. playing off his feelings for his country and such. now the next question is should he return to russia is he safe ?

Toswammi
08-16-2006, 01:44 PM
the tale continues...


TSN.ca Staff

8/16/2006 11:44:52 AM

Evgeni Malkin has officially sent his resignation to Metallurg Magnitogorsk, TSN has confirmed.

Malkin has been at the center of a huge international storm since leaving his Russian team on the weekend.

Mettallurg Magnitogorsk coach Dave King told the FAN 590 in Toronto on Wednesday morning that a fax was received by the team that indicated Malkin was exercising his "two-week window rights" to re-sign. Russian law allows any employee to leave an employer, even while under contract, simply by giving two weeks notice.

King said he did not know where Malkin was, but speculated that he was staying with Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin somewhere in the United States. Ovechkin, however, is in Toronto and told TSN he had not spoken to Malkin in a couple of weeks.

"Everyone wants to be in the best place, in the best league," Ovechkin told TSN. "It's his decision. I don't know if he's right or wrong, but it's his decision."





Malkin's agents have only said that their client is safe.

Sources told TSN that Malkin is not in Toronto, but is stationed at an undisclosed location in the United States.

TSN has confirmed that Malkin, through his representation, has indeed served notice that he will not be returning, and provided Metallurg Magnitogorsk the obligatory two week notification required in writing under Russian labour law. This process took place quickly following his departure from the team on Saturday.

Malkin is said to be rattled by this cloak and dagger saga and wants for nothing other than the opportunity to play in the National Hockey League and to put the nastiness of this battle behind him and his family.

"It's not his fault, he didn't ask for this", a source close to the situation told TSN. "He was ready to play (in the NHL) last year. This is what he wants."

The next chapter in this mystery is equally guarded, however the source adds that the next 24 hours may offer more insight into Malkin's next move.

What is clear is the enormous pressure the Russian Federation is feeling now that the leverage they had with Malkin in an ongoing tug-of-war with the IIHF and the NHL is quickly vanishing.

It is hoped Malkin's fight to join the NHL will encourage Russia to fall into line with the other international hockey federations currently guided by the existing transfer agreement, thus avoiding the inevitability of other young, talented Russian players from following a similar path.

The resignation strategy Malkin has employed is one that no Russian hockey player had used until Alexei Mikhnov, an Edmonton Oilers prospect, gave his written notice to Russian club Yaroslavl on June 30. That situation, however, also remains unresolved. Yaroslavl could still attempt to prevent Mikhnov from leaving Russia, or it could take legal action against the Oilers to block him from making the move.

"All we know is Mikhnov gave his notice to leave his club team and the two-week period expired," Oilers assistant GM Scott Howson told the Edmonton Journal last week. Howson also told the Journal that Mikhnov's agent was, in fact, negotiating a contract with the Oilers.

Malkin seems a long way from getting to that step.

Penguins star Sergei Gonchar told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he spoke to Malkin a week ago, just before Malkin disappeared while Metallurg Magnitogorsk was training in Finland. Gonchar noted that Malkin sounded disappointed about having signed to stay with Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

"He was very upset," Gonchar told the Tribune-Review, noting that there must have been a lot of pressure on the youngster to re-sign with his Russian team - maybe too much pressure.

"It's a different country than it used to be," Gonchar told the Times-Review. "Hopefully, nobody is going to put pressure on his family or himself when he comes back. But at the same time, there's got to be some pressure because otherwise a guy wouldn't sign a deal at 3 a.m. then disappear in a couple days.

"I'm assuming he's in the United States or some other country where he can wait."

Russian national team coach Vyacheslav Bykov has already told the Russian newspaper Sport-Express that Malkin would still be welcome to play for his country.

Carebear
08-16-2006, 02:42 PM
Poor Malkin.

:(

Honestly, this all must be so tough on the kid.

SeventhHeaven4U
08-16-2006, 02:43 PM
In another message i was talking about hockey globalization and it saddens me to hear about Russia being so pigheaded as to not cooperate with other leagues!! They don't care about their players, all they want to do is make a buck. Over and over again the Russians have tried to screw their own players out of seeking their life-long dreams! They are only hurting their own hockey future, dictatorship ended decades ago!

Kristi
08-16-2006, 02:50 PM
Ok ok I will admit he is staying with me in Everett! It was supposed to be a secret but ya know!

Ok seriously I hope everything does work out for him......it really isn't a great position for him to be in under any circumstances.

Carebear
08-16-2006, 03:37 PM
Ok ok I will admit he is staying with me in Everett! It was supposed to be a secret but ya know!

Ok seriously I hope everything does work out for him......it really isn't a great position for him to be in under any circumstances.


HAHAHA, be careful what you say Kristi. The Russian mafia is EVERYWHERE, in fact they may very well be looking at this board RIGHT NOW.

....I think I just heard a knock at your door.

Tiger Trauma
08-17-2006, 02:03 PM
Evgeni Malkin officially filed a letter of resignation with the Russian Super League, according to Metallurg Magnitogorsk coach Dave King.


The Russian star's resignation is the first step in an attempt to sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins next year and begin his National League Hockey career.

In an interview with Toronto's all-sports radio station the FAN 590, King said the team had received Malkin's resignation. Under Russian law, an employee - even an athlete with a valid contract - is allowed to leave his job by giving two week's written notice.

Described as the best player not in the NHL, Malkin, drafted second overall in 2004 by Penguins, recently reworked his contract with Metallurg in favour of a one-year deal, allowing him to join the Penguins in 2007. His previous contract was through 2008.

But even though he is still contracted to Metallurg, Malkin was quoted in Russian newspapers as saying he wanted to play in Pittsburgh this coming season.

The 20-year-old player mysteriously bolted from Metallurg on Saturday after the team arrived in Helsinki for a training camp, leaving with his belongings and passport and, possibly, a Canadian visa, according to reports.

His whereabouts are unknown, but the Associated Press is reporting Malkin flew to Canada and has remained there with no timetable of his arrival in Pittsburgh for the start of the Penguins' training camp in three weeks.

Malkin's North American agents, J.P. Barry and Pat Brisson of CAA Sports, said he was safe, though they wouldn't confirm his arrival in Canada.

"J.P. and I have been in constant touch with Evgeni, as we would do with any player, but especially with Evgeni," Brisson said Wednesday.

Brisson would not comment when Malkin might emerge in the United States.

Friends of the Russian star said he was under heavy pressure to sign the deal and reports in Russia suggest the renegotiated contract wasn't finalized until 3 a.m.

Metallurg general director Gennady Velichkin reprimanded Malkin for suddenly leaving the team and has threatened to sue the Penguins if they sign him.

However, Velichkin's uncompromising view on Malkin isn't shared by Russian national team coach Slava Bykov, who said Malkin can play on the national team at any time.

"I think you can't blame him until you know what exactly happened when he was signing the contract," Bykov told Moscow's Sport-Express Daily newspaper.

"There is only one thing I can't understand with this story with Malkin. We live in a free and democratic country, and anybody could leave it at any moment."

The score reports he is currently In Los Angelas

Kristi
08-18-2006, 04:26 PM
Malkin turns up in Los Angeles
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Associated Press
Posted: 21 hours ago



PITTSBURGH (AP) - The Evgeni Malkin mystery finally ended Thursday as the hockey star surfaced in Los Angeles with his agents, five days after slipping away from his Russian Super League team during training camp in Helsinki, Finland, and vanishing from sight.

Less than 24 hours after flying from Finland to the United States, the Pittsburgh Penguins' draft pick showed up, naturally enough, on a hockey rink. He skated with about 20 NHL players at the Los Angeles Kings' practice rink in El Segundo, trading passes and working out with players such as Rob Blake, Glen Murray, Chris Simon and Anson Carter.
"He got in a great workout today," agent Pat Brisson told The Associated Press. "He's going to stay here for a while, until we can move forward with Pittsburgh."

Malkin's next step is to try to get on the Penguins' ice for the start of their rookie camp in early September. Malkin's agents, J.P. Barry and Brisson of CAA Sports, are working with lawyers to determine when the 2004 No. 2 draft pick can join them.

"We have been informed by Evgeni Malkin's agents that Evgeni is now in the United States," Penguins general manager Ray Shero said in the first statement by the team regarding Malkin's situation. "At the appropriate time, we look forward to sitting down with Evgeni and his representatives to discuss what can be a very bright future with the Pittsburgh Penguins."

The Penguins would have one of the NHL's best 1-2 center combinations with Sidney Crosby and the 20-year-old Malkin, often called the best player in the world not currently in the NHL.

Malkin agreed less than two weeks ago to a one-year contract to keep playing for his hometown Metallurg Magnitogorsk. The deal circumvented a previous deal that ran through 2008, and apparently was agreed to by Malkin under pressure during a late-night negotiating session.

After reworking that contract, with Russian agents who have long had ties to the Metallurg team, Malkin changed North American agents for the second time this summer in an attempt to get into the NHL immediately. Then, after arriving in Helsinki, he left his team, took his belongings and passport and joined Barry, and the two stayed hidden until a U.S. visa was granted Wednesday.

Malkin's agents had previously declined to reveal where he was staying to make certain the player remained safe. Malkin's disappearance was front-page news in Russia, where the Olympic team star is considered one of the country's top athletes.

Within hours of Malkin leaving his team, the North American agents faxed a letter of resignation Sunday to the Metallurg team. Under Russian law, Malkin can quit his job by giving two weeks' notice, even if he is under contract. He had also sent such a notice in July, before he negotiated the new contract.

Once the two-week period is up, it is believed that Malkin can sign an entry-level, three-year contract with the Penguins that could be worth close to $1 million a year, plus as much as $2.8 million a year in incentives, though Malkin's agents are still deciding what legal steps to take.

The Russian team has threatened to sue, though previous legal attempts by Russian teams to get back players who jumped to the NHL were thrown out of U.S. courts.

Malkin's contract will be identical to that of the player drafted immediately ahead of him in 2004, NHL rookie of the year Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin's Moscow Dynamo team also tried legally to get him to return last year, but the case was thrown out of U.S. District Court.

The NHL has not publicly stated any support for Malkin, but deputy commissioner Bill Daly said the league believes any player should have the right to choose where he wants to play as long as he is legally free to do so.

LifelongChiefsFan
08-19-2006, 04:05 AM
Why doesn't Russia just sign the agreement to get compensation for having their players come over to the NHL? It seems pointless not to. Unless there is something I'm missing (I have never really read what the agreement states) but I think it's safe to say that many to most potential Russian superstars will probably come to the NHL whether the agreement is in effect or not. Wouldn't it make sense to sign it and get something rather than sue, have the case tossed out, and get nothing? I don't understand their stubborness at all, again unless I'm missing something.

Beaner
08-19-2006, 05:33 AM
The Russians want more $$ for their players. Thats why they havent signed.

Jimmypop316
08-21-2006, 05:56 AM
The Russians want more $$ for their players. Thats why they havent signed.

Exactly, and they want to negotiate each player individually, so they can get higher $$ for their star players. That obviously isn't flying, and will never fly as players will defect now regardless of the transfer agreement.

They need to get just drop in and sign that agreement, because this is going to happen again and again, and each time they are going to only be awarded, guess what, 200k as per the old agreement.

nivek_wahs
08-22-2006, 02:07 AM
I found this on ESPN.com... I don't think it was posted yet. It gives a slightly different perspective on the Malkin ordeal.


Malkin's problem? Trying too hard to please too many
Scott Burnside
ESPN.com

This is not Peter and Anton Stastny risking their lives to defect from communist-ruled Czechoslovakia in the summer of 1980.

This is not Petr Klima meeting Detroit Red Wings officials in a German wood to secure his passage to the West in the mid-1980s.

This is not Sergei Fedorov leaving friends and family behind in Russia at the 1990 Goodwill Games in Seattle.

This Evgeni Malkin brouhaha is nothing of the sort. This is a boy, possessed of immense skill, promising too many things to too many people. Nothing more, nothing less.

Cloak and dagger? Ha.

Run and hide is more like it. After all, it's not as though Malkin tunneled his way out of Stalag 17 to freedom. The talented forward left a democratic country with open borders. Until he resurfaced in Los Angeles on Thursday, Malkin was not in hiding, he was simply hiding out. And that's a subtle but important distinction.

"He's a remarkable hockey player," a source familiar with the Malkin situation told ESPN.com. "But if Malkin gave you his word on anything, then you couldn't trust him. Look at his history."

Malkin, 20, is the proverbial couch cushion; whoever comes in contact with him last leaves a lasting impression.

Malkin's father, a former Russian elite league player, insisted Malkin should remain in Russia and Malkin dutifully signed a deal through 2008 with Metallurg Magnitogorsk. That contract had no "out" clause that would have allowed him to pursue his NHL career, even though he is widely considered the best player outside the NHL.

Who signs a deal like that? Someone who's getting bad advice and who's trying too hard to please everyone in his world.

In this case, Malkin's Russian advisers have a history of being compensated by Metallurg owners for delivering players to the team, so it's no wonder Malkin signed the long-term deal even though it made little sense in terms of his career, the source told ESPN.com. The source added that those same owners were so eager to keep Malkin in Russia for the coming season they were willing to pay North American agents to see that it happened.

Not that there hasn't been pressure from other directions.

The Pittsburgh Penguins would dearly love to see the second overall pick in the 2004 draft in their lineup on Opening Night in October. And certainly the lure of the NHL is strong for Malkin, especially given what Olympic teammate Alexander Ovechkin accomplished last season, taking the league by storm while playing with the Washington Capitals.

So, Malkin balked at the deal that he, himself, signed and dismissed high-profile agents Pat Brisson (who represents future teammate Sidney Crosby) and J.P. Barry before signing in June with the dean of NHL agents, Don Meehan, who represents Ovechkin and who helped shepherd Ovechkin through a court challenge from Moscow Dynamo last fall.

But Malkin's flip-flopping wasn't over.

Several weeks ago, Malkin severed ties with Meehan and returned to the Brisson/Barry camp. Malkin also managed to dispose of the two years remaining on his deal with Magnitogorsk and signed, some say under duress in the middle of the night, a one-year deal with the Russian team for the coming season.

Then, as the Metallurg squad prepared for training camp in Helsinki, Finland, last week, Malkin disappeared. From whom or what he was hiding in recent days is anyone's guess.

"He let the pressure get to him," his coach in Russia, Dave King, a former NHL and Canadian national team coach, told a Toronto sports radio station this week.

Poor Malkin.

Although it would appear Malkin has stepped right into the pages of a John LeCarre novel, he is unique only in his propensity to sign on for anything with anyone. His exit strategy is no different from that of a handful of other players who have taken advantage of a Russian labor law that allows any worker to give his employer two weeks' notice and hit the road.

Alexei Mikhnov, the Edmonton Oilers' first pick, 17th overall in the 2000 draft, secured his release from Yaroslavl in this manner, as did Andrei Taratukhin, the Flames' second-round pick in the 2001 draft. Why no fuss over these players' departures from the Russian elite league? Well, they didn't sign a series of contracts with their Russian clubs before bolting and they don't represent the cash cow Malkin does to the Russian hockey powers.

Although Malkin will be bound by the same restrictions any NHL rookie faces with his entry-level contract, his earning potential is vast. He is also crucial to a Penguins' team whose own future is very much in doubt.

Thus, for team owners in the Russian elite league, Malkin was seen as a great weapon in their plan to either extract large sums of money from the Penguins or deny him access to the NHL in the hopes of securing a more lucrative transfer agreement with the NHL. It appears the Russians, who have refused to sign the International Ice Hockey Federation's current transfer agreement with the NHL, dream of a hockey world where teams are paid a king's ransom, as is the case with star soccer players.

That will never happen in hockey.

Perhaps the $200,000 fee paid by the NHL and its teams for European players doesn't seem like much compared with the $93 million Real Madrid paid to secure Zinedine Zidane from Juventus Turin. But the NHL is not beholden to the IIHF.

If IIHF member nations Sweden or the Czech Republic, major sources of NHL talent, suddenly decided they wanted $1 million per player, the NHL would walk away and simply sign players on its own, leaving the European countries with nothing, the same nothing the Russians are getting for their players now.

The NHL also has the power to deny players the ability to participate in IIHF events such as the World Championship or, at the very least, to make it very difficult for them to take part. This is a sensitive issue for the Russians, who are accusing the NHL of "sports terrorism" in the Malkin case but are hosting this year's World Championship in St. Petersburg and desperately want available NHL players to take part.

The Malkin affair does little to dispel the notion that the Russian elite league is little more than a shadow front for mobsters and bullies who will stop at nothing to get what they want whether it's money or hockey players -- mostly money.

Sources tell ESPN.com that new national hockey czar, Hall of Fame netminder Vladislav Tretiak -- appointed by Hall of Fame defenseman Slava Fetisov, who is the head of Russian sport -- was willing to sign the transfer agreement with the IIHF but folded when he was pressured by some Russian club owners.

"He is a terrific ambassador. Not such a good administrator," said one source close to the proceedings.

One longtime NHL agent, Matt Keator, suggested this case might be the catalyst to get the Russians and the NHL to resolve their differences because the situation will be repeated again and again until it is resolved.

"Perhaps this situation will bring the parties together to find common ground," Keator said.

As for Malkin, it's no slam dunk that he'll be in a Penguins jersey at the start of the season. It seems certain the Russians will sue Malkin and/or the Penguins, arguing that the two weeks' notice law in Russia was not meant for an athlete who signs a contract, as Malkin did.

nivek_wahs
08-22-2006, 03:33 AM
from sportsnet.ca


Malkin hopes to join Pens soon
August 21, 2006

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- Evgeni Malkin skated again with several NHL players Monday at the Los Angeles Kings' practice rink, and his agent said he was optimistic the 20-year-old hockey star will soon become a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

"This is why we're here," Pat Brisson said. "We're going to do everything in our power to help him reach his goal -- to be playing with the Penguins on opening night."

Malkin, considered one of the best players in the world not playing in the NHL, left his Russian Super League team earlier this month during its training camp in Helsinki, Finland, because of his desire to join the Penguins.

"He wants to follow his dream, he wants to play in the NHL," Brisson said, adding Malkin is in good hockey shape and was skating Monday for the third time since arriving in the Los Angeles area last Wednesday.

Brisson said he hasn't discussed a contract with the Penguins yet.

"Once we decide it's the right time to move forward, it shouldn't be a problem," the agent said. "He could be here another 10 days."

Malkin did not speak with reporters Monday.

"Due to the legality and the situation we're in, it's a little sensitive," Brisson said.

Brisson works for Creative Artists Agency, which represents about 60 NHL players. He is working with lawyers to determine when Malkin can join the Penguins, who made him the second overall selection in the 2004 NHL draft.

Within hours of Malkin leaving his team, his agents faxed a letter of resignation to the Metallurg team. Under Russian law, Malkin can quit his job by giving two weeks' notice, even if he is under contract.

Once the two-week period is up, it is believed Malkin can sign an entry-level, three-year contract.

Penguins general manager Ray Shero issued a statement last Thursday saying the team looks forward to meeting with Malkin and his representatives "to discuss what can be a very bright future with the Pittsburgh Penguins."

The NHL has not publicly stated any support for Malkin, but deputy commissioner Bill Daly has said the league believes any player should have the right to choose where he wants to play as long as he is legally free to do so.

Brisson said Malkin went to the beach Sunday, and will work out Tuesday and Thursday with T.R. Goodman, a personal trainer who trains most of the NHL players represented by CAA.

"He's here to work, acclimate himself," Brisson said.

nivek_wahs
08-24-2006, 02:49 AM
From tsn.ca http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=175115&hubname=


NHL and Russia angry over player battles

Canadian Press
8/23/2006 5:02:05 PM

(CP) - While Evgeni Malkin's flight to the NHL has incensed Russian hockey officials, some NHL executives are growing hot under the collar at watching their players abandon North America for greener pastures in Russia.

Already the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders have lost three players to Russia this summer. Mark Gandler, the agent who represents those players, says Russia is an attractive option for "young, vibrant talent which is not properly treated (by NHL teams)."

Winger Eugeni Artukhin rejected Tampa's last offer and has signed on for more money in his native Russia. The same goes for Russian defenceman Denis Grebeshkov and Finnish winger Sean Bergenheim of the Islanders.

All three will earn more money this season playing for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.

"In Russia the taxes are 13 per cent, so it's relatively speaking tax-free," explained Gandler, whose firm International Sports Advisors has some 25 NHL players, half of them Russian. "They also usually have bonuses on top of everything, a free apartment, a free car, basically perks."

All three are restricted free agents in the NHL, which means the Lightning and Islanders have no legal recourse compared to Metallurg Magnitogorsk, the Russian club threatening to sue the NHL because it says Malkin is under contract with them.

The Vancouver Canucks lost backup goalie Mika Noronen to Russian league club Ak Bars Kazan earlier this month while star winger Nikolai Zherdev has also threatened to stay on in Russia this season if the Columbus Blue Jackets don't pony up.

Zherdev is the only first-line player among them. The others find themselves squeezed in the NHL's salary cap system where most of the money goes to the marquee names.

That Artukhin, Grebeshkov and Bergenheim are Gandler's clients is just a coincidence, the agent said from his New Jersey office. He vehemently denies the rumour that he was getting a cut from Russian league clubs to deliver them NHL players.

"What I have a problem with is people thinking that I would take a bona fide NHL player and place him in Russia and basically hurt him and his career for personal gain," said Gandler. "I don't deserve that after 16 years in the business."

Either way, Lightning GM Jay Feaster didn't hide his frustration in losing Artukhin.

"This is just ridiculous," said Feaster. "This is a player who finally shows that maybe he can play in the league and he was one year of NHL time under his belt and then decides he's going to go play in Russia."

Feaster offered the 23-year-old Artukhin, who had four goals and 13 assists in 72 games last season, a $600,000 US one-year and one-way deal, an upgrade on his qualifying offer which only called for a two-way deal that paid $495,000 in the NHL and $95,000 in the AHL. But Artukhin and Gandler told Feaster they wouldn't accept anything under $750,000.

"We have Ryan Craig sitting there in our locker-room, he signed a $495,000 (two-way contract) and he scored 15 goals for us last year," said Feaster. "So it's a little tough to accept that for some inexplicable reason that Artukin ought to be making $750,000."

Gandler confirmed Feaster's version of the contract talks.

"They've negotiated in good faith and I have no problems with Jay whatsoever," said Gandler. "We have a difference of opinion on the value of the player.

"He didn't expect to play much again, which was also a factor."

Feaster intimated that in fact Artukhin was told he would have a bigger role this season.

"I had (head coach) John Tortorella talk to him about his projected role to help him understand that we're looking out for his development," said Feaster. "And he just goes and screws off to Russia."

Gandler felt the Islanders disrespected Bergenheim in contract talks.

"Just the way he was treated by the team and spoken to . . . and I have to include myself in that. Sean said to me he will never play for $500,000 in the NHL - no matter what. And that's his final decision," said Gandler. "He's making pretty good money in Russia, he's on the top line, he's treated well, and he's continuing his development."

Bergenheim, 22, had four goals and five assists in 28 games with the Islanders last season, his second in the NHL.

"We like Sean Bergenheim," said new Isles GM Garth Snow. "We offered him a one-way contract and the opportunity of a regular spot in the National Hockey League. He has played 46 NHL games over two seasons, so we feel our offer was more than fair. If Sean's decision is to play in Russia for what he feels is a better deal, that's his call. He's still a part of our future."

As for Grebeshkov, the 22-year-old wasn't offered a one-way deal.

"Denis did not want to sign a two-way deal," said Gandler. "So the Islanders have lost a first-round pick (18th overall by the Kings in 2002) because for whatever reason they decided they didn't want to pay him one-way money."

Said Snow: "Denis is a good prospect who took what he thought was a better opportunity to play at home for a year. We wish him well and hope to see him back here soon."

What does this all mean in the big picture?

"I think it's something where we're going to have to be careful about drafting players out of there," said Feaster.

Gandler says that's already happening.

"Check out this year's draft, you see any Russians in the first round? They're already scared to draft them because there's no agreement and they're not sure whether they can sign them or not."

Technically, two Russians were taken in the first round: goalie Semen Varlamov by Washington, 23rd overall, and defenceman Ivan Vishnevskiy, 27th overall by Dallas. Still, no Russians were taken in the top 20. In the 2005 entry draft? Not a single Russian in the first round. The first wasn't taken until the 70th selection.

"It is a concern globally," Feaster said when asked about Russian players staying home to play. "As I try to analyse all those situations and certainly our own, the one thing I believe is that there aren't many North American players who are going to consider that to be an attractive option, going to play in Russia. And yet for the Russian player, it often is."