Evgeni Malkin, a forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins, disclosed that he expected an annual salary of eight million dollars from team management. His comments were captured by Sports Express, reflecting a candid view on contract negotiations.
Asked whether the new deal reflected a reasonable offer, Malkin explained that the negotiations were challenging. He stated that he had requested eight million, but the offer did not meet that figure. He acknowledged some concern from management about his injury history, suggesting they might have doubted his current level of play. Still, he emphasized that his team of representatives fought hard on his behalf, insisting that the contract was not finalized and remained in good standing. He added, with a forward-looking tone, that progress would resume in the near term.
During the most recent NHL season, Malkin appeared in all 81 Penguins games, contributing 27 goals and 56 assists, which placed him among the team’s top point-getters. Sidney Crosby led the squad with 90 points, tallying 33 goals and 57 assists, underscoring Crosby’s standout performance in that campaign.
In the current season, Malkin has taken part in 10 games to date, recording seven goals and six assists. Pittsburgh has faced a rough stretch, dropping the last three contests as the team continues to navigate a competitive schedule.
Earlier in his career, the Russian skater left Russia at a young age and pursued a path in North American hockey, a decision shaped by opportunities in the NHL and the chance to develop his skills within a prominent professional league.