Report: Pens having contract talks with controversial player

The Pittsburgh Penguins finally acquired the 3rd line center they were looking for in Riley Sheahan Saturday afternoon. Scott Wilson went the other way in the deal. Draft picks were also exchanged.

The trade has given Pens' general manager Jim Rutherford the flexbility to work out a deal with controversial Russian Danis Zaripov.

The 36-year-old was banned from the KHL and international play for 2 years after failing a drug test. The drug in question, pseudoephedrine, is not banned in the NHL.

It is believed that Evgeni Malkin is playing a part in bringing in the KHL star to North America. According to Dan Kingerski of PHG Hockey NOW, contract talks are expected to have begun Saturday night and continue through Sunday.

The KHL champion has regularly put up over a point per game throughout his career. At 36, it's unclear if he will fit into the modern NHL, but the left winger could very well be a potent option for Pittsburgh.

He reportedly turned down other NHL offers to negotiate with the Penguins.