Source: Pens, Leopold have mutual interest

Contract talks between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sergei Gonchar have gone nowhere, and the Penguins efforts are believed to be turning towards defenseman Jordan Leopold.

A source close to Jordan Leopold tells Inside Pittsburgh Sports this afternoon, that Pens GM Ray Shero has told Leopold directly this week that "he {Ray Shero} would like to have him {Jordan Leopold} back, " and the two sides would talk before July 1, "

The odds of Leopold signing before July 1, appear to be 50-50. Leopold has a strong interest in returning to Pittsburgh.

"Jordan would like to be back but preparing for UFA tomorrow, " Ben Hankinson the agent for Jordan Leopold told Inside Pittsburgh Sports.