Finally, Evgeni Malkin wasn't worried about hiding his emotions or himself. He signed the contract he wanted to sign, with the team he wants to play for.

Malkin, under so much pressure to keep playing in Russia that he hid out for five days in Finland to escape his Russian team, signed his first NHL contract yesterday with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

No arm-twisting or middle-of-the-night negotiations were needed to make him sign a deal worth at least $3 million US and probably much more. The 20-year-old Malkin was so determined to play in North America this year, one of Russia's best-known sports figures was willing to risk his image back home to do so.

San Jose Sharks forward Mark Bell was arrested Monday on suspicion of drunk driving and felony hit-and-run after an early morning accident during the Labour Day weekend.

Bell, who played his first four NHL seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, was acquired by the Sharks in a three-team trade on July 10. Days later, he received a new three-year, $6.5-million contract that will pay him $2 million for the coming season.

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