Evgeni Malkin has no KHL plans, calls Ilya Kovalchuk exception to rule
When Ilya Kovalchuk left for the KHL, some feared others would too. Evgeni Malkin says he has no such plans and doesn't see an NHL exodus.
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If there are any questions left about whether Ilya Kovalchuk's decision to head to the KHL was a sign of things to come or simply an individual decision, Evgeni Malkin did his best to put those to rest.
The Russian star who has a long-term contract in place with the Pittsburgh Penguins, spoke with R-Sport about Kovy's decision and asked a pretty good question: why would he (Malkin) want to leave his current situation?
"A lot can happen, but as long as I feel comfortable in America I might as well leave well enough alone," Malkin said. "I've won a Stanley Cup with the Penguins, I've got individual awards, I get a lot of playing time, I have an excellent relationship with my teammates and coaches."
"Why would I look for something else? I have everything."
I can't say I blame him. The money and contract aren't a concern, as Kovalchuk showed that can be replaced in the KHL no problem, but where else in the world could Malkin find a team that would be as talented to be on as he has with the Penguins now? They are a Stanley Cup contender every season and that doesn't figure to change for a while. Despite the fact that the Devils just reached the Stanley Cup Final a season ago, the same couldn't be said for that franchise, which missed the playoffs this past year.
Fact is, the NHL is the top league in the world where the best hockey is played. The KHL will try to compete but the NHL is an established brand and is still the most prestigious league in the world with the game's top prize in the Stanley Cup. That's going to be attractive to more players than not, even from Russia.
Still, it's comforting from an NHL standpoint to hear it coming from another Russian star.
"Ilya's chosen this path, and I've got no right to judge him," Malkin said. "They're saying that this will become a trend, but it's really an exception to the rule."
There you have it Pens fans, you can rest easy (if you weren't already). One move does not signal a trend.
