Apparently, negotiations between the Penguins and Evgeni Malkin have hit an impasse. Barring any last-minute breakthrough, it appears the big center plans to test the free-agent waters come Wednesday.
According to a report from Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff, Ron Hextall offered Geno a four-deal for $6.1 million a year, which surprised me. I thought we had a three-year-deal on the table and that Malkin and his agent were pushing for that fourth year or a bump in salary. Despite Geno hinting that he’s a “pretty rich guy” and would accept a team-friendly deal, it seems to be about the Benjamins after all.