Evgeni Malkin will remain with the Pittsburgh Penguins after a U.S. federal court judge denied a claim by the rookie’s former Russian club to block him from playing in the NHL, the Reuters news agency reported Thursday.

Metallurg Magnitogorsk had filed a lawsuit seeking to bar Malkin from the National Hockey League saying the 20-year-old sniper was still under contract with the Russian Super League club.

U.S. district court judge Loretta Preska denied a preliminary injunction that sought to prevent Malkin from playing in the NHL while a lawsuit over his contract proceeds.

The judge also dismissed a similar motion from Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, clearing the way for two of their former players, Andrei Taratukhin of the Calgary Flames and Alexei Mikhnov of the Edmonton Oilers, to remain with their NHL clubs.

NHL official Bill Daly states that they are pleased with Judge Preska’s ruling, which will allow these players to continue to play for their NHL clubs.

Metallurg Magnitogorsk is believed to be seeking millions in compensation from the Penguins for signing Malkin.

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