The Latest Penguins Buzz

Ray Shero’s new target for this season may be one of his former players from Nashville
According to a source the Penguins have recently inquired about Predators forward Martin Erat who surprisingly could be moved near the trade deadline.
The Predators are looking for a package that nets them 2-3 young players to build around in return to move Erat‚Äôs salary whose value may never be higher. My source did not mention names from Pittsburgh that could be headed to Nashville but did say this trade couldn’t go down until the Penguins blue line gets healthy (hint).
I’m told the Penguins have indicated to Predators GM David Poile to keep them in mind if or when he begins officially listening to offers for Erat. Erat has a cap hit of $4.5 million but his annual salary jumps up to $5.25 million next season.
The Predators are in financial trouble and the Preds operate like a competetive small market team in baseball. When their top players begin to hit their late 20’s, they have to look into moving them for younger prospects to build around for the future.