Jevgeni Malkin's surprise comment triggered a rumor mill – then Kyle Dubas made a sudden move

Russian star center Evgeni Malkin stirred up controversy with his comments after a 2-3 shootout loss to the New York Rangers, as rumors about his future with the Pittsburgh Penguins began to spread.

The 39-year-old Malkin stated that there is still no certainty regarding a contract extension.

– I don’t know if it’s serious or not, but I talked a bit with (my agent) J.P. (Barry) a couple of days ago, and he just said that we should wait until the end of the season and see what happens. I can’t say anything right now. I’m just playing, Malkin told the press according to Pittsburgh Hockey Now.

It was previously reported that Malkin’s representative and Penguins president/GM Kyle Dubas had discussed the situation during the Olympic break, but Malkin admitted that an actual conversation did not take place.

– I’m just playing my game and waiting. I know my injury, which is still a bit unclear, but of course, I want to help the team win. There’s nothing major to report – I’m just waiting. My agent said we would look at the situation at the end of the season.

Malkin has a full no-trade clause in his contract, and he has not been believed to want a trade. Still, ABC’s game broadcast discussed trade rumors, which increased speculation.

Shortly after the comments, PHN reported that Dubas had planned to meet with Malkin early next week. Both Malkin’s representatives and the player himself received the information only after the comments, which was interpreted as a quick response to the situation.

On the ice, Malkin has responded to the talk with a convincing performance: in 43 games, he has scored 46 points (13+33) and has played at over a point-per-game pace, despite struggling with a shoulder injury.

According to summer reports, Dubas did not plan to offer Malkin a new contract, but the Russian’s strong season has changed the dynamics.