IIHF responds to Russia's offer to Malkin

Jun 20, 2008 - 9:57 PM ZURICH, Switzerland (Ticker) -- For years, Russia has balked at entering a transfer agreement with the NHL. Now, it apparently is attempting to lure away one of the league's biggest stars.

According to a report by the Toronto Star on Friday, several teams in Russia's new Continental Hockey League are preparing to offer Hart Trophy finalist Evgeni Malkin of the Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh Penguins a multi-year contract worth at least $12.5 million per season.

The 21-year-old Malkin, a native of Magnitogorsk, has one year remaining at $984,000 on his current contract with the Penguins. He has made it known he hopes to remain in Pittsburgh, and according to a recent report by the Beaver County Times, he likely will sign a five-year contract in the near future that will pay him approximately $8.5 million per season.

International Ice Hockey Federation president Rene Fasel on Friday issued a statement regarding the reported contract offer from Russia, saying he does not believe the rumors to be true.

"Although there will be no imminent player transfer agreement between the IIHF and the NHL, all involved parties are in principal agreement to honor each other's contracts," Fasel said. "The NHL has informed the IIHF that this will be the policy of the league during the period without a PTA, and conversely, the IIHF has obligated its member national federations and leagues to do the same in its relations with the NHL.

"We would view any signing, from either side, of a player under a valid contract, who does not have any legally valid out clause, to be a clear violation of the mutual understanding and existing principle. It would potentially be punishable with suspended national team eligibility and suspension from all competition or activity organized by the IIHF or any IIHF member national association. ... Given this, we are confident that the report (regarding Malkin) is not substantiated."

The second overall selection in the 2004 draft, Malkin joined Hart Trophy winner Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals as the only players to reach the 100-point mark in the NHL this past season, recording 106 - including 47 goals. As a rookie in 2006-07, he registered 33 tallies and 52 points en route to the Calder Trophy.