Pens Morning Buzz: Assistant coaches Granato, Reirden close to receiving new deals

Morning Tidbits

*There will likely be no changes to Dan Bylsma's coaching staff for the 2011-2012 season. As expected, the Penguins intend to bring back assistant coaches Tony Granato and Todd Reirden and both coaches are close to receiving new deals.

Pens GM Ray Shero tells the Tribune-Review that he would like to extend the contracts of both coaches within the next week.

Granato signed a two year deal in the summer of 2009 and has developed a very close relationship with Dan Bylsma.

Reirden replaced Mike Yeo this past season and meshed extremely well with Bylsma and Granato. Reirden was an excellent fit in the locker room and some inside the organization have indicated that he played a big role in the development of Kris Letang last season.

I intend to touch base on this much more indepth later on Friday but the Penguins have found themselves in tougher negotiations than expected with some of their notable role players (Adams, Rupp) who the team felt would be easier signs.