''Malkin has tried to remain outwardly calm, saying ‘everything is OK, life is good.' But close friends, including current teammates, said that Malkin is ‘'devastated'' by the lack of movement with the Penguins on what he anticipates will be his final NHL contract.
‘He wants to play only in Pittsburgh,' one of Malkin's friends said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
‘He doesn't understand how it's at this point with him not being signed,' the friend said. He's said, ‘They don't think I'm a good player — why?'
Added a longtime current teammate who spoke with Malkin this past week: ‘It bothers me how this is happening. It's a bad look. From what I know of what's happened, Geno deserves better.' ‘'
