But (Malone) thought it was best to not be a distraction after all the things the Penguins have done this summer, ... And it's only his second year, and he realizes that. He's thrilled with what's going on with the team and can't imagine himself on any other team. He lives, dies and breathes with the Penguins right now, and those are the best players to have on your team. |
Free agents are gone, and now it's just the guys who aren't signed. You have two options -- either trading, or signing a guy who isn't signed, and that's it. I think it'll be unprecedented the way it's going to work out. |
I think Tom Hicks 'hoped' he had a deal with Mike, but I know for sure Mike said he needed to talk to me first. I think any report that there was ever a deal was inaccurate. |
It's just far too much of a hometown discount. Mike knew there was going to be a difference between offers, but not as much as $9 million, and that's what it could turn out to be. |
There was certainly a lot of animosity and certainly a lot of jealousy toward me, because of the hype and being the first American (drafted No.1), |
They put pressure on us with their serve and we just made too many mistakes on the passing end. |
We had told Mike, originally, that Mark would sign long-term there. But they don't have the money to sign him to a long-term deal right now. What's important is to get him signed and have the ability to talk about an extension during the season. |
We're going to keep talking, I'm sure, and see what happens. I anticipate it will work out one way or another. We're working on it is the best way it can be characterized. |
We're not that close. There's just a lot of things changing. We're watching the market move. |
West is one heck of a team. We'll work to get better for the conference meet. |