Evgeni Malkin: “I was just shocked that Kuznetsov went to SKA. But this is his career.”

We spoke with Yevgeny Malkin during the “Legendary Match of Sergei Mozyakin”, which took place in Magnitogorsk. Who said that Gino was hesitant to contact journalists? The break between periods lasted almost half an hour. And all this time, Malkin, without even getting up from the bench, addressed the press.

Of course, I couldn’t help but ask Evgeny what he thinks about the return of his namesake Kuznetsov to the KHL. We also talked about Alexander Ovechkin. By the way, already on Saturday, Malkin will be able to play with Ovi in ​​the same trio in a gala match in Mytishchi. This happens extremely rarely in hockey, and every single opportunity must be seized.

“It seemed to me that Kuzya got a breath of fresh air in Carolina”

— Were you surprised by the return of Evgeniy Kuznetsov to the KHL?

– I won’t hide it – really. Of course, he’s had a tough time the last couple of years. Of course, we’ve all been watching his situation. To be honest, I thought when he traded Washington to Carolina, it would be a kind of new turning point in his career. A breath of fresh air. Plus, he was warmly welcomed by the Hurricanes.

And everyone saw that Kuznetsov played well in the playoffs and scored four goals. However, he was not given much playing time. But I looked at him – Zhenya looked good. He lacked confidence somewhere. But I believed that he would prepare seriously this summer.

And I was just shocked that he went to SKA. On the other hand, it is his choice, his career. I can only wish Kuznetsov good luck. Maybe he will return to the NHL. However, something was wrong with him. Well, what can you do about it? Let Kuzya then be the best in the KHL.

— Is it true that in the garden of your house in Pittsburgh there are two iron statues that you named Kuzya and Ovi?

– No, it’s just that when Ovechkin and Kuznetsov came to our house for dinner, Ovi asked: “What are these statues?” I replied: “Well, these are Kuzya and Ovi. Sometimes I practice on them, I throw pucks at them. But someone posted this joke on social networks, and it all started from there.

Actually, these are the Alien and Predator statues from the movie. When we were on vacation in Dubai, I saw them in a store, bought them, and they mailed them to me. But I certainly didn’t give them names. They already have them – Alien and Predator.

— During the “Game of the Year” you were sitting in the locker room next to Ovechkin. It was striking how you trolled Alexander. It is clear why you could not play in the same trio in the Russian national team!

– This is a game of a different level. There was a friendly atmosphere and mutual jokes were common. How much time have you spent in hockey locker rooms? You understand very well what kind of communication takes place between players. Everyone is making fun, making fun of each other, and this is normal. Sasha and I are no exception.

Besides, we have already proven everything to each other. Ovi has won many individual awards, a Stanley Cup. I am also successful in my career. We are accomplished fathers and we respect each other as hockey players and friends. We communicate well.

Ovi invited me to his gala match, which will take place on August 10 in Mytishchi. He is organizing a tournament for children there and I will be happy to come. We try to support each other. I think I can consider him – as he did for me – my great friend.

“I showed my son my old apartment in Magnitogorsk”

— How did your meeting with the owner of the metallurgist Viktor Rashnikov in your hometown go?

— We are on rather good and warm terms. We congratulate each other on the holidays, happy birthday, happy new year. As soon as we see each other, we always communicate with joy. We all become a little sentimental as we get older. I know his children and grandchildren. I know his family well. A man with a capital M, and you yourself know what he puts into the team, how much he loves and values ​​Metallurg.

This season, Viktor Filippovich has once again proven that he is a champion. Because a lot depends on him. And the team is also built around him. I know that Rashnikov follows it closely and knows all the players. And once again, he showed that Metallurg is the elite of hockey.

— How many years have you been away from Magnitogorsk?

— We were counting and remembered that the last time I came here was for Metallurgist Day in 2016 or 2017. In other words, I was gone for about eight years.

— When did you go fishing? They showed some nice photographs.

— Yes, sometimes we go hunting or fishing. Have a good time with friends, relax. I try to be in nature more often, especially in Magnitogorsk. It’s very beautiful here, the mountains. We will definitely stop at Lake Bannoye.

When I arrived now, I was happy to see all my friends and talk to everyone. I hope I will come to Magnitogorsk more often. My parents fly to America to visit me, and they visit me in Moscow. Somehow it did not coincide with me coming to them. But now the time has come to show Magnitogorsk to my son for the first time.

He is now of an age of consciousness. Before, it was useless when he was very small. And so he happily walked around the city and looked. I understood how we lived. This is not the way children live today. I hope this will be useful for Nikita.

— Is your son disappointed in Magnitogorsk?

– No, what’s the disappointment? Nearby family, grandparents. They gave us food and water, walked around the city, looked at the monument “Rear to Front”, went to the old apartment and went to school. Probably, the son understands a little that there is a difference with the same Miami. However, he must realize how difficult it all was. It is difficult to say whether he understands this at eight years old. But maybe something will stick in his mind.

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