Malkin frustrated contract talks delayed until offseason

Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin is getting frustrated about the lack of progress on an extension, with negotiations expected to be on hold until the offseason, according to The Athletic's Josh Yohe.

"Nothing we can say right now," Malkin said following Saturday's loss to the New York Rangers, per team reporter Michelle Crechiolo. "I'm just playing. It's not my job to talk to (general manager) Kyle (Dubas) or somebody. I just play my game and just wait."

Malkin said earlier this season that he only wants to play for the Penguins and doesn't want to retire. The 39-year-old has spent his entire 20-year career in Pittsburgh and has produced 46 points in 43 games this campaign.

The Penguins have missed the playoffs in the past three seasons but currently hold the second spot in the Metropolitan Division. However, they'll be without captain Sidney Crosby for most of the stretch run after he suffered an injury while representing Canada at the Olympics. He's expected to be out for four weeks.

Malkin is in the final season of a four-year contract that pays him $6.1 million annually. He's an unrestricted free agent as of July 1.

The Penguins are projected to have over $47 million in cap space this offseason, per PuckPedia.