OTTAWA -- Evgeni Malkin might have a chance to become the highest-paid hockey player in the world.

But he would rather, his agent said this evening, continue to play for the Penguins.

A new hockey league in his native Russia reportedly is willing to give Malkin a contract that would pay him $12.5 million per year, tax-free.

Doesn't matter, J.P. Barry said this evening. Malkin isn't interested in leaving, and has the framework of a new contract in place.

"He's not interested in (playing in Russia)," Barry said. " He wants to stay in Pittsburgh. He wants them to keep, hopefully, as many of these players together (as possible) and he wants to try to make a run next year."

Malkin is believed in line for a five- or six-year deal that will pay him roughly $8.5 million per season, well under the maximum allowed by the NHL's collective bargaining agreement.

Per that labor agreement, Malkin's next contract can't be formalized until July 1.