Free Preview: The Latest NHL Buzz

As I reported a few days ago the LA Kings and forward Patrick O’Sullivan are on the verge of finalizing a long term contract. Negotiations have been difficult for the Kings front office. O‚ÄôSullivan was seeking $4 million per season on a short term deal and $5 million per season on a long term deal. O‚ÄôSullivan‚Äôs demands have come down a bit and the two sides have bridged the gap. The Kings are believed to have two offers on the table. Three year deal worth close to $11.4 million and a four year deal worth close to $16.5 million.

NHL: Eric Staal close to signing 7 year extension?

The News and Observer reports Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal is expected to sign a long term extension in the next ten days. The paper speculates Staal could receive a seven-year contract that would pay him between $7 million and $10 million a year. Count on the low number. Could Eric’s brother Jordan be next in line for an extension from the Pittsburgh Penguins? Check out the “Latest Penguins Buzz Segment” for the latest insight. Source: News and Observer

NFL: Titans to part ways with Vince Young?

Could the Tennessee Titans be moving on from Vince Young? According to the Nashville Tennessean that might be the case. The paper reports Vince Young on Monday told close associates of his that he didn’t want to play football any more. Vince Young will be sidelined for 2-4 weeks and the team may be ready to move forward with Kerry Collins. Source:Nashville Tennessean

NHL: Wild resume talks with Marian Gaborik

According to Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune, the Minnesota Wild are expected to resume negotiations with right winger Marian Gaborik. Wild assistant General Manager Tom Lynn and agent Ron Salcer will meet in Los Angeles over the next few days in the hopes of re-signing their star forward. The Wild are expected to make an multi-year offer in the range of 8.5 million per season, according to the paper. Inside Pittsburgh Sports has learned, Wild GM Doug Riseborough has turned down any inquiries about Gaborik but their scouting staff has begun targeting potential trade partners, if the two sides can’t come to an agreement. Source: Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune

Quick Hits

The Penguins report to training camp in seven days. Inside Pittsburgh Sports gives you the latest rumblings

NFL:Shawne Merriman out for the season

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman is out for the season with a torn knee ligament and will be placed on injured reserve. Rookie Kyle Tucker will replace Merriman in the starting lineup.

Mike Tomlin Press Conference Week 2

Injuries Ben Roethlisberger – will be limited tomorrow(expected to play) Marvel Smith – Groin Strain – Will also be limited early in the week(expected to play) Deshea Townsend – Heel contusion (Expected to play) Tight End Sean McHugh will practice on Wednesday. Tomlin’s opening remarks: Reviewed the Steelers performance and liked what he saw. Tomlin indicated Cleveland has made improvements on the defensive side of the ball. Tomlin names Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers as two players capable of dominating a game. Tomlin said we will know a lot about Justin Hartwig Sunday night.

NHL: Hossa eyes Beantown in 09?

Detroit Red Wings forward Marian Hossa has arrived in Detroit and hinted to the Detroit media yesterday that he knows it is likely a one- and-done situation. Hossa was the most sought out free agent this past summer and Pittsburgh put all their efforts into re-signing the star forward. Hossa turned down a 9yr – $81 million offer from the Edmonton Oilers and a 7yr – $52 million offer from the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hossa eventually signed with the Detroit Red Wings, the team he was waiting on all summer to see what kind of offer they could make. Inside Pittsburgh Sports gives you some insight on which team is already being regarded among inner circles as the favorite to sign

NHL: Tampa Bay pursuing Mats Sundin?

J.P. Barry the agent for Mats Sundin has confirmed two new teams have expressed an interest in forward Mats Sundin. According to the Globeandmail.com, one team is believed to be the Tampa Lightning. Sundin recently met with the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. The Lightning are a major longshot due to their cap issues and just like the Rangers would have to get creative and move $5 to $6 million in cap space to have a legitimate shot of signing Sundin before the regular season.

The Latest Penguins Buzz

The Penguins are seven days away from the start of training camp and less than thirty days away from the drop of the puck. Inside Pittsburgh Sports gives you the latest on Jordan Staal and which defenseman could be out of the Penguins top 6.