A formal offer has not been made, but the Penguins are taking a long, serious look at 36-year-old Russian winger Danis Zaripov, an industry source confirmed to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Tuesday afternoon.
After 18 pro seasons in Russia, Zaripov incurred a two-year doping ban from the Kontinental Hockey League in July and will be permitted to play this upcoming season in the NHL for two primary reasons: The drug for which he was suspended, pseudoephedrine, is not on the NHL’s banned list, and he was not allowed to testify at his hearing.
The source said the Penguins have spoken with “lots” of Zaripov’s former teammates, gained information from Evgeni Malkin — one of Zaripov’s good friends — and have had conversations with at least one of Zaripov’s Russian coaches.