Evgeny Malkin: Kuznetsov is ready for the NHL, he is a true leader

Pittsburg Penguins forward Evgeny Malkin thinks his compatriot and namesake Evegny Kuznetsov is ready to come to the NHL – provided the Russians don’t tempt him with «bags of cash».

Speaking to Sport-Express, Malkin mused on his countryman’s future as well as his own experience of hockey in North America.

«You were brilliant in your 400th game for the Penguins in the NHL, earning 5 points in the 8-5 win. Do you consider yourself a veteran now?»

«No, I wouldn’t say that. I feel like an intermediate player, not a veteran. 400 appearances is a lot, but not that many. My whole career is ahead of me, so hopefully I can pass the 500 and 600 marks.»

«Five points in a landmark game – did you plan for that, or is it just a coincidence?»

«The latter, I suppose. Of course I wanted to score and to win – we played in daytime, in front of our supporters. I felt great, had a lot strength and energy.»

«The were reports recently that you’ve agreed to meet the Russia head coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov February. Is that true?»

«It’s likely to happen a little later, but I am very keen to meet our new coach.»

«Did you see Kuznetsov’s masterpiece against Finland in the Euro Tour?»

«I did and I agree: that goal was immense. He’s grown up to be a top player!»

«Russian hockey hopes to keep him for a while longer, but the chances are high he will be go to America next summer. What do you think?»

«I see that he is ready for the NHL, he is a true leader in his team. He will come, as long as the Russians don’t throw bags of cash at him.»