The Pittsburgh Penguins have been placed in the center of media discussion today. This is due to several reports surfacing that Evgeni Malkin is pursuing American citizenship.
Leaked documents connected the forward to a Cryptocurrency Block Chain Scam based in his home country. It is here that he is accused of “unknowingly” providing $4 million in lost funding to the start up company responsible for the operation.
During a press conference after Penguins team training in Cranberry, Malkin issued the following response in reference to the accusations:
“I don’t want like this right now. It’s garbage for me. I knew I’m a good guy. I don’t know what to say about that. A little like bit crazy this morning for me. I know it’s nothing bad for me.”
The Russian, originally from Magnitogorsk, has been based within Pittsburgh for the last thirteen years. As a result of this, his son (whom was born in America) holds dual nationality. Although Malkin’s association to the Scam has yet to be proven, it could present significant legal challenges in his fight for Dual Citizenship.
The story was first broken by Washington Post Reporter Isabelle Khurshdayan, who shared the original Russian source.
Malkin’s Injury Woes
The forward has been inactive in the NHL since October 5th, after sustaining a lower body injury in a match up versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. He is expected to return to the Penguins line up this weekend when they take on the Edmonton Oilers.
From this, one can see easily see that Malkin’s overall statistics for the season have been affected by his injury. As it stands, the forward has only played within two games, amassing just one goal.
However, this “poor start” narrative cannot attached to the main Penguins roster, as they have gotten off to a spectacular start. Within their first twelve games, they have currently amassed a 7-5-0 win record. This places them fourth within the Metropolitan division and twelfth in the League overall.
The Verdict
This is not the first instance of an international story being lost in translation. For instance, during the offseason Finnish media reports emerged about Patrik Laine. Laine was believed to have been frustrated with his playing position in the Winnipeg Jets line up. The reports were considered to have the same flaws as this current one – that they had been translated correctly.
One thing that cannot be denied is the inopportune timing of the article’s surfacing. With Malkin set to return to the Penguins line up, one can only hope that this does not affect his ability to play. However, knowing Geno, this will only serve as further motivation to prove his doubters wrong.
Within his international career, Malkin has become a mainstay feature within the Russian National Team. But should Malkin see his citizenship change, a citizenship review within his international career may soon follow.
As this is a developing story, further comments have yet to be issued from the Penguins organization on the matter.
