Malkin Unlikely to Play for Pens in 2005

Dave Molinari, in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that Pat Brisson, Malkin's agent is predicting that he'll play in the NHL in 2006.

"He doesn't have an escape clause at this point," Brisson said. "But I don't think Magnitogorsk will hold him back after he gives them an extra season."

The Penguins still were waiting for official word on Malkin's status yesterday, but general manager Craig Patrick said that if he remains in Russia this winter "we'll look to next year, for sure."

What the Penguins won't do, he said, is negotiate directly with Magnitogorsk to secure his release. That would seem to mean that Malkin won't be a Penguin unless he works out a release from the club or the Russian federation accepts the transfer agreement.

This is bad news for Pens fans hoping to see him play with the Pens this year.