Big update on the Evgeni Malkin contract talks.

Many long time fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins have been hoping to hear any kind of good news on the Evgeni Malkin front, and now with less than 48 hours left before the opening of free agency we finally have some for you.

According to the latest update which comes to us courtesy of National Hockey League insider Pierre LeBrun, it would appear that there has finally been some measure of progress in what has been a contentious negotiating process between both Malkin and the Penguins. While LeBrun did indicate that there was still plenty of work to be done here, this is the first sign of real progress perhaps since prior to the season ending for the Penguins.

It was only a few short days ago that reports began to emerge indicating that Malkin was devastated at the treatment he was getting from the Penguins in these negotiations, with a close personal friend of Malkin's even revealing that it had even taken a toll on the star forward's confidence.

"He doesn’t understand how it’s at this point with him not being signed," said Malkin's friend under the condition of anonymity last week. "He’s said, 'They don’t think I’m a good player — why?'"

While it is true that Malkin's physical health is a point of concern when it comes to signing him to a long term deal at 35 years of age, he remains a dominant force on the ice when healthy. In spite of only appearing in 41 regular season games for the Penguins last season, Malkin still managed to score 20 goals and added 22 assists, finishing the regular season with over a point per game.

The real issue here for the Penguins though will be separating Malkin's legacy from his current form. There's no question that both the Penguins and their fans want Malkin to remain a Penguin for the rest of his career, the only question now is whether or not they can find a way to make that happen that will be agreeable for both parties involved in this negotiation.