Malkin, Pens hit road block in extension talks; Malkin appears ready to become a free agent

The Penguins and Evgeni Malkin have been going back and forth on his next contract, but have been unable to agree on term or dollar amount. Malkin has said publicly that he will not take a pay cut to stay in Pittsburgh and wants to be paid market value.

Unfortunately for Pens fans, Malkin saying that does not bode well for further negotiations. So much so that Penguins reporter Josh Yohe has reported that he and the Penguins are so far apart that Malkin will likely not be returning next season.

Malkin not returning will leave a huge hole in the middle of the Pens lineup. Jeff Carter would likely slot into Malkin's vacant spot, but he hardly provides the game-breaking talent that Malkin has.

The Pens and Malkin have a couple weeks before free agency to find a way to agree on a new contract, but the chances of Malkin returning to the Pens is looking more and more bleak as free agency closes in.

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