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Free agency is just over 14 hours away and Sergei Gonchar will enter free agency, likely ending his five year tenure with the Penguins.
As it's been well documented for the past 7-to-10 days, there has been no movement towards a new deal. There were also no concessions made from the Penguins end who have offered a two year deal worth slightly under $10 million.
We're told Gonchar's camp was not against at least negotiating a two year deal that matched Gonchar's salary ($5.5 million) from 09-10 but the Penguins never moved off their proposal.
Therefore, contract talks have been at a stalemate since Monday afternoon and there was not even a late push from Shero to engage in talks with Gonchar's camp today.
"All quiet for today, " J.P. Barry the agent for Sergei Gonchar told Inside Pittsburgh Sports, shortly after 9:00 p.m.
Gonchar will explore his options in free agency, although Pittsburgh will still remain an option.
Interest in Gonchar is expected to be extremely high especially from playoff contenders looking to make that next jump.
Sources tell Inside Pittsburgh Sports, the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues are among 4-to-5 teams expected to pursue Gonchar aggressively when the clock strikes noon tomorrow.
More Pens Free Agency Buzz
*Although a deal is not close with Jordan Leopold as of this evening, if the Penguins sign a defenseman before free agency begins, all signs point towards Leopold being that guy.
As we reported earlier, the Penguins efforts are moving into Leopold's direction. There's a mutual interest from both sides in trying to get something done. Pens GM Ray Shero and Ben Hankinson the agent for Leopold are scheduled to talk in the morning.
* I exchanged a few emails earlier today with Stephen Bartlett the agent for Mark Eaton.
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