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Pittsburgh Penguins: Evgeni Malkin Pushing for Danis Zaripov Signing

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Danis Zaripov (L) and Krisjanis Redlins (L) during the game between Dinamo Riga and Metallurg Magnitogorsk at Tondiraba Ice Hall in Tallinn, capital city of Estonia on December 2, 2016. First ever in KHL history game plays in Estonia.(Photo by Sergei Stepanov/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Danis Zaripov (L) and Krisjanis Redlins (L) during the game between Dinamo Riga and Metallurg Magnitogorsk at Tondiraba Ice Hall in Tallinn, capital city of Estonia on December 2, 2016. First ever in KHL history game plays in Estonia.(Photo by Sergei Stepanov/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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It looks like there’s a certain KHL player open to joining an NHL club, and a certain Russian superstar is vouching for him to join the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Evgeni Malkin is hoping that the Pittsburgh Penguins sign KHL star Danis Zaripov.

According to Sport-Express writer Igor Eronk, Malkin wants Zaripov in a Penguins uniform. Whether it’s a possibility or not, Malkin sure hopes it happens.

Zaripov, 36, was handed a two-year doping ban in the KHL in July. Despite this, he has been cleared to join the NHL as a free agent instead because pseudoephedrine is not banned in the NHL.

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Could the Penguins benefit from adding Zaripov? Or should they hold out despite Malkin’s wishes?

A Look at Danis Zaripov

Zaripov is a 36-year-old who played professionally in Russia for 18 years. Over this career he was an all-star six times and won four championships. In his last four seasons with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, he scored 227 points in 229 games.

He is quite the player overall and he still has some time and juice left in him. He and Malkin have played together on the international stage five times representing Russia, playing in the 2010 Olympic Games as well as the2006, 2007, 2014, and 2015 World Championships.

Should the Penguins Sign Him?

The Penguins only have about $3 million dollars in cap space to work with. The Penguins still are in desperate need for a third-line centre. Zaripov is a left-winger, so I think it’s safe to say the Penguins are better off using their money elsewhere.

Next: Meet Zach Aston-Reese

Zaripov would be an interesting addition to the roster though, and I’m sure he would have a positive impact on the team. I don’t think his services are in our price range however and we may as well pass on him.

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