PENGUINS MULLING POSSIBILITY OF ADDING COMPETITION IN GOAL
If you’re looking for a potential surprise signing for the Penguins this week, look to the goaltending market. Sources say goaltender Jonas Hiller is considering signing with the Penguins on a deal of at least 2 years where he would come in and battle Marc Andre Fleury for the starting job this season, something Penguins officials are trying to sell Hiller on. Team officials look at Hiller as a younger version of Tomas Vokoun.
The Penguins are on Hiller’s shortlist of 3 teams he is considering signing with.

We’ll see where this goes on Hiller.
Meanwhile, reports are accurate that the Penguins have “some” level of interest in Marty Brodeur, an NHL source confirmed. One source believes Penguins owner Ron Burkle who is very, very close to Brodeur’s agent Pat Brisson, is behind the possible interest in Brodeur. Some in the organization want some kind of a change in goal.
The team has also had some discussions about Boston Bruins goaltender Chad Johnson. Thomas Greiss has also been a player Penguins pro scouts have liked. The Penguins are certainly kicking around the idea of adding competition in goal.
  • One scout today called Christian Ehrhoff the best defenseman to hit the open market on Tuesday. Ehrhoff’s agent Rich Curran reached out the Penguins and other contenders on Monday to gauge interest as Ehrhoff wants to join a winning franchise. Not clear if Penguins will move on him but there was a reach out from the Ehrhoff camp to Pittsburgh.
  • If Derek MacKenzie hits the open, Penguins will be interested.
  • Penguins GM Jim Rutherford has spoken to center Manny Malhotra about joining the Penguins. There is a lot of loyalty there between the two but in speaking to agent Paul Krepelka today, they seem to be looking for a two year deal, not sure Rutherford wants to go there. The Penguins have been prepared to offer Malhotra a contract on Tuesday.
  • David Moss remains a prime target by the Penguins but he could end up being too expensive. He made $2.1 million. There’s been discussions between the two sides.
  • Matt Niskanen was in the process tonight of trimming his list of teams from 12 down to around 4. Tampa Bay, Detroit, Washington will make the list. The Red Wings have always been high on Niskanen’s list and won’t be a surprise if it’s a two-horse race between Detroit and Tampa Bay.  Minnesota is out on the Niskanen front. Niskanen covets a 7 year deal and the betting money is his deal coming in around $42-$45 million over 7 years.
  • Brooks Orpik will have lots of options tomorrow. Washington, Florida, Buffalo, Colorado, Anaheim, Toronto among those who have been in regular contact with Brooks Orpik’s agent Lewis Gross. Washington is pushing hard.
  • Based on what I’m hearing won’t be surprised if Jussi Jokinen doesn’t come close to getting $4 million per season. Not a huge market for him.