Malkin is depressed. Russian NHL star offered humiliating conditions

In 2 days, the free agent market will open in the NHL, one of the tidbits of which can be Russian forward Evgeni Malkin. Zhenya’s contract with Pittsburgh is ending, but he can’t agree on a new one. Moreover, according to overseas media, Malkin fell into depression because of this situation.

Why did the native club offer its legend the shameful terms of the new agreement?

Malkin deserves a normal contract

Over the past 16 years, Evgeny has been one of the undisputed leaders of Pittsburgh. The Russian won three Stanley Cups with the team, was recognized as the best rookie of the season, took a lot of personal trophies, and was also regularly invited to the All-Star Game. Malkin is a real legend, a brand, a person who is known to those who are not really interested in hockey. And not only in Russia and North America.

Evgeni Malkin / Photo: © Joel Marklund / ZUMA Press / Global Look Press

Therefore, when our striker ended the previous agreement with the club, there was no doubt that the parties would agree one way or another. However, as time went on, the situation only got worse. According to The Athletic, Yevgeny was offered a two-year contract with an average annual salary of $6 million. The Russian was not against this amount, but wanted to get an agreement for a period of four years.

And it can be understood. He devoted his entire overseas career to Pittsburgh and quite logically intended to finish it there. Malkin is 35 years old, so with a high degree of probability this is his last contract. It is clear that he would like to receive normal conditions for him. Moving somewhere after 16 years in one place is difficult, not only from a sports point of view, but not least from a domestic point of view.

Moreover, in the free agent market, Malkin will definitely be offered more money. There is no doubt at all. The amount of his average annual salary could easily reach 8-9 million instead of the six proposed by Pittsburgh. According to the previous contract, we recall, Zhenya received 9.5 million. The Russian is ready to make concessions, but only asks for elementary respect for himself.

“Malkin is sure that he is not considered a good player”

All the same The Athletic reports that the player was literally brought to depression because of what is happening. Malkin is depressed and devastated by the way the contract negotiations are going. The publication cites the word of one of Yevgeny’s friends, who, on condition of anonymity, told an interesting idea.

– Malkin wants to play exclusively in Pittsburgh. He cannot understand why he has not yet been re-signed. He is sure that he is not considered a good player. Why? – quotes the words of a friend of the Russian The Athletic.

Evgeni Malkin / Photo: © REUTERS/Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

One of Malkin’s partners also anonymously told the publication that Zhenya clearly deserves more, and admitted that everything looks very bad. And then the news came that Pittsburgh had officially signed a new contract with its other legendary hockey player, Chris Letang. He, like Malkin, is 35 years old, but Chris was given a six-year deal with a cap hit (average salary) of just over $6 million.

The money for the year is the same, but the contract for a period is three times more than what is offered to Malkin. But Eugene did not ask for six years, four is enough for him. Seeing Letang’s new contract, Zhenya, of course, was happy for his long-term partner, but he drew conclusions for himself. He is not appreciated. It is a fact.

Unsubscribing and subscribing in social networks

And then Malkin completely unsubscribed from Pittsburgh on social networks, although he is still officially a team player. A day later, Zheny nevertheless returned the subscription of his native club. He probably realized that in the modern world you can not give big comments, but simply declare your intentions and feelings with one action. Eugene did it this way. It looks like he gave Pittsburgh one last chance to come to his senses and go to his legendary player with a truly worthy offer.

Of course, the leadership of the Penguins is embarrassed by the frequent injuries of the Russian striker. In recent years, Zhenya has never played more than 60 games in the regular season. Although his productivity remains at a fantastic level. Last season, Malkin played a total of 48 matches and scored 48 points. Is it possible to scatter such players? If Pittsburgh eventually abandons Evgeny, it will not only spoil its karma, but also finally say goodbye to Stanley Cup dreams for the coming years.