Assessing potential free agent forwards linked to the Penguins

The Inside Scoop

The Pittsburgh Penguins hockey operations staff are in the final stages of their evaluations and plans pertaining to free agency which begins on July 1.

This years group of free agents is extremely deep with defensemen but there is a sparse group of forwards, most importantly wingers.

For a team like the Penguins that are actively seeking a long-term winger for Sidney Crosby, they are not going to find that winger in free agency.

However, here are five wingers that are believed to be of interest to the Penguins and more free agency notes.

1. LW Alexei Ponikarovsky, (6-foot-4, 220 lbs)

Age: 30 | 09-10 Salary: $2.5 million

2009-2010 Stats: 21 goals - 29 assists - 50 points

Latest Buzz: Ponikarovsky struggled mightily with the Penguins during his short tenure, but the Penguins remain interested in retaining Ponikarovsky, multiple team sources have confirmed.

However, the Penguins are only willing to go two years which won't get it done.

Ponikarovsky is believed to be seeking a multi-year deal in the 3-to-4 year range and interest is expected to be high for the 20 goal scorer, if he hits the open market.

A deal between the Penguins and Ponikarovsky before July 1, is regarded as highly unlikely.

2. C/LW Matthew Lombardi, (6-foot-0, 195 lbs)

Age: 28 | 09-10 Salary: $2.3 million

2009-2010 Stats: 19 goals - 34 assists - 53 points

Latest buzz: Good offensive ability and excellent speed that would make him a good fit in the Penguins uptempo-system. Lombardi also adds versatility as he can play wing and center.

A player of interest but the Penguins are a unlikely suitor as interest will be high and Lombardi is believed to prefer to play center over wing.

Lombardi made $2.3 million in 2009-2010 and is likely to push $3 million per season. It's hard to imagine the Penguins going beyond two years at $2.5 million per season.

Industry sources indicate Lombardi is expected to be a top target of the Washington Capitals who are actively seeking a 2nd line center.

3. Ray Whitney, (5-foot-10, 180 lbs)

Age: 38 | 09-10 Salary:

2009-2010 Stats: 21 goals - 38 assists - 59 points

Latest Buzz: Executives and scouts around the league believe that the 38 year old can play at a high level for another season or two. There was enough interest from the Pittsburgh at the trade deadline, that the Penguins are expected to look into Whitney.