Gonchar says Malkin to stay put in Russia

According to an article in the Trib (hat tip to Will, again), Sergei Gonchar has confirmed that Evgeni Malkin is staying in Russia this year. Here's the quote:

"He told me he's staying another year," Gonchar said by phone from his native Russia on Tuesday. "He said he has a reason to stay over. I don't know the reason, but he's staying now."

While there has been no official statement from the Penguins, this should end speculation as to whether Malkin can make it over here this season. Of course, you would have thought that speculation would have stopped several times already... and if for some reason a transfer agreement is signed, then look out.

The only game left to play now is the "why did Malkin sign a new contract" game. I'm putting my money on some pressure being exerted on the kid away from the hockey rink that might be... um... let's just say... slightly suspect.