NHL Free Agency begins Wednesday, and it appears Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin will test the market after he was unable to settle on a contract extension. The 36-year old Malkin will become a free agent for the first time in his career as of noon tomorrow.
The Penguins did sign winger Rickard Rakell to a new six-year contract which will average $5 million per season.
The Pens also retained the rights of winger Kasperi Kapanen with defenseman P.O. Joseph by giving them qualifying offers. They did not make offers to eight other players, including winger Danton Heinen.
Former Penguins goaltender Matt Murray was traded by the Ottawa Senators to the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 28-year old two-time Stanley Cup winner struggled last season with injury and made just 20 appearances