Malkin and Karjala Cup - Reading too much into this?

Am I reading too much into it that Magnitogorsk is holding him out to try and flex their ability to control Malkin's fate? Sort of as a message to Pittsburgh that they hold the cards for when Malkin is ready to cross the pond. Or is it that Malkin really is fatigued.

Right now I have no reason to question Magnitogorsk's ability to properly develop Malkin. They seem as concerned as anyone about the kid. But this is twice now that they've prevented Malkin from attending events of varying degrees of importance, the other being the draft combine.

This very well might be the case, however, Malkin does have the clause in his contract with Metallurg to let him come to the NHL when he is ready. I doubt that he has a tournament clause. Plus, Metallurg Mg. is currently second in the RSL, and I'm sure they want to keep him fresh for the second half of their season to make a good push at the playoffs.

I think the only thing that can keep Evgeny in Russia longer than he wants to stay, is if he gets drafted by the military. If this is the case, he should just go sign up and get his time done. Who knows? He might be done with the military by the time the CBA is fixed.

This very well might be the case, however, Malkin does have the clause in his contract with Metallurg to let him come to the NHL when he is ready.

Mettalurg are trying to sign Malkin to a retooled contract, however. Back in August it was reported that Malkin's agent and Mettalurg were negotiating to rework his contract. Malkin was apparently close to accepting at the time.

That concerns me more than being held back from a somewhat meaningless tournament, which I'll add was not a surprise. I will concede that it is a re-occuring circumstance by which Mettalurg has enforced its control over Malkin which on the other hand is a concern. Whether there are any underlying reasons for Mettalurg's refusal to allow Malkin to play in the Karjala Cup, hopefully a couple of Russian posters in the know can enlighten us.