Malkin Preparing for Strong Return from Injury

Back in February, Evgeni Malkin tore both his MCL and ACL in an awkward check in which his knee appeared to directly smash into the boards. His initial recovery time was predicted by Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review as at least six months which put him on track to get back on the ice around August 5th.

Well, those of you who roster him in keeper leagues can breathe a bit easier as it seems like he is already training and plans on making his way back to superstar status next season.

“I’m kidding. But here in Eugene is a very serious attitude,” father Vladimir Malkin told Sovetsky Sports (source: Puck Daddy).  “I’m not even sure he would go in the summer somewhere to rest. Wants to come in the form of combat to the top of the NHL championship.”

Sounds like he is already training hard and will not rest until he is in top game shape. Considering the style of game he plays, he will need every bit of that strength to burst past the opposition or power his way to the net.

The news of Malkin training comes as a silver lining to a Pittsburgh Penguins team that fears for the safety of their captain, Sidney Crosby. Due to the accolade-worthy coaching of Head Coach Dan Blysma and an MVP caliber season from Marc-Andre Fleury, the Penguins managed to make the playoffs, but they did so without their two stars in Crosby and Malkin.

Last season, Malkin managed to score only 15 goals and 37 points in 43 games, the lowest scoring and games played totals of his NHL career. He seems determined to return to the NHL as a stronger player with a chip on his shoulder — a boon for his patiently waiting owners. In single-season leagues, keep an eye on him as an off-year could take him out of the first round, which would make him an incredible value if he remains healthy all season.