Evgeni Malkin confirmed Saturday that he has indeed spoken with Penguins management regarding 36-year-old Russian winger Danis Zaripov. Malkin also offered his own endorsement while also explaining that he also doesn’t want to say too much – unless, of course, he’s asked.
Zaripov incurred a two-year doping ban from the Kontinental Hockey League in July but will be permitted to play this upcoming season in the NHL, as the drug he was suspended for – pseudoephedrine – is not on the NHL’s banned list.
“We talked a little bit but not much,” Malkin said when asked whether he’s talked to Penguins management about Zaripov.