Report: Malkin to play in KHL during lockout

Pittsburgh Penguins centre Evgeni Malkin, the NHL's reigning MVP, has a deal in place to play for Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL if there is a lockout, according to The Fourth Period.

Malkin's agent has reportedly confirmed that his client has spoken with multiple teams out of Russia about a week-to-week deal that would allow him to play if there is a lockout, and return to the NHL if it ends.

The 26-year-old spent the first three seasons of his professional hockey career playing for Metallurg from 2003 to 2006.

Malkin led the NHL in scoring last season with 109 points (50 goals, 59 assists) in just 75 games.