Elliotte Friedman of Sportnet.ca said on his 32 Thoughts podcast that Malkin was quite emotional on Monday. “The biggest thing with Malkin was getting him to cool down. On Monday, he was so emotional. How do we get him to cool down? I’m sure Crosby played a role in it. I’m sure others played a role in it,” said Friedman. “But I think the whole thing was, can you get Malkin to cool down. By Tuesday afternoon, he was. They had it done that night.” Malkin only played 41 games last season, scoring 20 and adding 22 helpers. He is a point-per-game player who has played in 70 or more games only once in the last ten years. 

The deal has an average annual value of $6.1 million. "Evgeni is a generational talent who will be remembered as one of the greatest players in NHL history," said Penguins GM Ron Hextall. "His hockey resume and individual accomplishments speak volumes about him as a player, and we are thrilled to watch him continue his remarkable legacy in Pittsburgh." It appeared as though Malkin would be listening to offers from other teams in free agency on Wednesday after talks with the Penguins hit a bit of a rough patch, but he will be staying with Pittsburgh after all. The soon-to-be 36-year-old forward accounted for 20 goals and 42 points in 41 games last season. Malkin has been limited to 74 games over the past two campaigns, but he has amassed 70 points during that span. 

Malkin has played the first 16 seasons of his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he apparently wants to see what his options are and there should be plenty of interest. There have been reports that he hasn't been happy with the way negotiations have gone with the Penguins. Malkin has been limited to 74 games over the past two seasons, but he has amassed 28 goals and 70 points during that span. 

"However, still work to be done to get an extension done," Tweeted LeBrun on Monday. "Still a tough one to call two days out from free agency." It has been a complicated situation between Malkin and the Penguins this offseason, so learning that progress is made is encouraging. As LeBrun pointed out, time is running out before the market opens on Wednesday.