Penguins GM Ron Hextall would be 'surprised' if team didn't sign D Kris Letang

On Wednesday, Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ron Hextall gave an optimistic update on contract negotiations with defenseman Kris Letang. 

Speaking with the media after the NHL's general manager meetings in Montreal, Hextall said he'd be "surprised" if the Pens and Letang don't come to an agreement. 

"Kris, I'm hoping to have something done real soon here," Hextall told the Pittsburgh Tribune's Seth Rorabaugh. "We have a few details we're working through. We'll see where it goes." 

Last season, his 16th with the Penguins, Letang played 78 games, finishing with 68 points (10 goals, 58 assists.) In 941 career games in Pittsburgh, Letang has compiled 650 points (144 goals, 506 assists.) 

Reports emerged over the weekend that the Penguins and Letang were progressing toward a new deal worth $7 million to $8 million per year. Letang has reportedly been seeking a five-year contract with a per-year salary of $8 million to possibly as high as $9 million. 

The media also asked Hextall about another soon-to-be free agent, Evgeni Malkin. 

"I'd be surprised if we don't get Kris done. [Malkin], we're still working at it," Hextall said. "They're at a different stage right now."

Malkin, 35, played 41 games for the Penguins last season, posting 42 points (20 goals, 22 assists). A three-time all-star, Malkin was drafted No. 2 overall by the Penguins in 2004. Malkin has 702 points (444 goals, 70 assists) in 981 career games.