Hey Delpen... (Superleague related..)

Jesse · Post by **Jesse** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 2:24 pm

Our boy Vladdy Malkenkikh has been back in the lineup recently, getting 2nd pairing minutes and some power-play time as well.

I hope he's back on the radar to stay.

Maybe we can weasel him over here with Malkin, he'd be an improvement over some of the trash we have now.

DelPen · Post by **DelPen** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 2:54 pm

It would be great to see him paired with Gonchar since he could cover for mistakes and be a solid hitter. That leaves then for next year Whitney and Orpik as your other top pairing and Scuderi and Welch as a #3 with Welch being brought along slowly with a solid defensemen to cover for mistakes.

Post by **Defence21** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 3:31 pm

I too have been an onlooking fan of Malkenkikh. I just don't understand how he has completely fallen off the radar to the point that he isn't even listed on Hockeysfuture.com. From everything I have read, he is a solid positional player who hits with the tenacity of Orpik. I have heard that he has had injury problems and that if/when he comes to the United States, he wants an NHL-only contract, but, when you have a potential thumper like that with good skill to match, you take the risk. Plus, he's been on one of the top pairings of one of the best teams in what is known as the most defense-oriented league in the world. That can mean nothing but good, in my opinion.

What do you guys think the odds are of getting him over here next year? I mean we have Gonchar and Malkin as two other Russians who might be able to persuade him to join the Pens, but that doesn't mean that management is even going to attempt. Lastly, how much longer do the Pens own his rights before he becomes a free agent or eligable to re-enter the draft?

I really think he could do nothing but add positives to the Pens' blueline.

Jesse · Post by **Jesse** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 3:45 pm

Defence21 wrote:

I really think he could do nothing but add positives to the Pens' blueline.

I think he'd be a great addition, the smaller ice surface would give him less room to have to cover and it would also make hitting easier for him.

Malenkykh is a strange case, he comes and goes without a peep as to why. He's had chronic injury problems and drops off the map once or twice a year.

However, he was on the top defensive pairing for Togliatti for 2 straight years on a team that was setting league, and near NHL records for consecutive shutouts with Jiri Trvai in goal.

Malenkykh would be a smart addition, he's played with Evgeni Malkin for an entire year now and those two together could possible ease the transition period.

With this roster, Malenkykh could in all likleyhood step right into the first or second pairing with no problem at all.

It's just a question of whether or not CP has given up hope and whether or not he even realizes the kid is still playing hockey.

Post by **netwolf** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 3:57 pm

I'm not saying he isn't good, but can someone explain where the optimism about this guy comes from? For a guy that hasn't even made it to NA this long after his draft year, you guys seem to be pretty high on him. Does that come from being able to see him play on occaision? Or is it because of the disaster that is currently the Pens' defense?