NHL free agency is quickly approaching and the Penguins and second line center Evgeni Malkin still haven't reached a deal to keep the longtime player in Pittsburgh.
The Athletic's Rob Rossi and NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun of TSN say the two sides got closer to a deal on Sunday but still working on a contract.
LeBrun says it's "a bit of progress" but that doesn't mean is going to get done.
"Still a tough one to call two days out from free agency," added LeBrun.
There have been rumors that Malkin has felt disrespected by the Penguins and that he is getting low-balled.
According to reports, the money is there for Malkin but the length of the deal is where they disagree. Malkin wants more years.
Speaking about the disrespect Malkin allegedly feels, Penguins expert Paul Steigerwald said he doesn't believe it.
"I'm not big on anonymous quotes," said Steigerwald. I don't believe he feels he's being disrespected. I think he knows it's a difficult negotiation. I don't think he feels disrespected, I don't."
Steigerwald also said if he were to make a prediction, he doesn't think Malkin will re-sign, but that's just his feeling
Malkin's former teammate Tyler Kennedy tells The Fan Morning Show "I think Geno has at least two years of good hockey left…A motivated Geno is a scary Geno."
Both forward Bryan Rust and defenseman Kris Letang signed new deals that are considered "team friendly."
NHL free agency begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
