Sources: Pens, Gonchar not close to a new deal

Sources: Pens, Gonchar not close to a new deal

3:58pm - Monday, June 21st, 2010 by DePaoli

No talks took place on Monday

Contract talks between Penguins GM Ray Shero and J.P. Barry the agent for Sergei Gonchar intensified late last week with negotiations continuing into the weekend.

However, according to multiple sources, the two sides are not close to a new deal.

Negotiations have not broken off but no talks took place today and according to contacts in Gonchar's camp (as of 3:00 p.m. on Monday afternoon), no talks at this point are currently scheduled for tomorrow or the rest of the week.

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06/21/2010 4:00pm

jeffed

Yeah it's usually a good thing when your team is about to lose by far its best FA, GREAT STUFF. Esp with no replacement for him, that makes it even better.

06/21/2010 4:03pm

loaf221

Losing a 36 year old defenseman that QB'd one of the worst power plays and was a defensive liability all season, that wants too much money... Ya, I don't consider it that bad

06/21/2010 4:09pm

jeffed

Yeah you're right, 60 point defenseman are a dime a dozen. We have gogo anyway, what am I thinking!!!???

06/21/2010 4:14pm

jeffed

Look at the numbers, the power play was dreadful without Gonchar, it was bad enough with him, but downright putrid without him.

06/21/2010 4:14pm

dynamicduo

Here's the situation.. overpay Gonchar or live with gogo and letang controlling the pp, which wasn't any good with Gonchar anyway, or overpay a 36 year old defensive liability for 3 years. we already invested in two young offensive dmen and have to allocate money other places. not to mention we have an unbelievable cast of defencemen in the minors that will be here shortly

06/21/2010 4:16pm

Chancebd7

know when to hold em and know when to fold em, its time to fold em

06/21/2010 4:18pm

rs6363

D, any chance the pens would approach gonchar to waive his ntc if they feel they are too far apart?

06/21/2010 4:19pm

loaf221

Would much rather put that money towards a shut-down defensemen or call up the young guys and put that money towards a couple wingers.

06/21/2010 4:19pm

dynamicduo

gogo will be a 40-50 pt guy and letang/despres 30-40 pt guys, it is not reasonable to have two defensive liabilities in gogo and gonchar, especially paying gonchar what he is demanding

06/21/2010 4:20pm

LeMagnifique

i think the money would be better spent on volchenkov then gonch. not saying gonch isnt valuable, its just wat this team needs. not having a physical defensive presence really cost us last yr. i think gologoski is capable. he looked very good before he got hurt and i feel he will mature with a full nhl season under his belt

06/21/2010 4:20pm

SeaneeRo66

Is it safe to assume that close to $3M per season is a typo?

06/21/2010 4:21pm

jeffed

They don't seem all that willing to let the young guys come up though, they are dicking around with Lovejoy yet again, not sure why that would change anytime soon.

06/21/2010 4:21pm

Chancebd7

he hasnt put up 60 for 2 seasons, he hasnt been healthy enough too i know but he still hasnt done it

06/21/2010 4:21pm

jeffed

50 points in 62 games isn't too shabby unless I'm mistaken, and he had what like 10 points in the playoffs?

06/21/2010 4:23pm

jeffed

check that 12 points in the playoffs.

06/21/2010 4:24pm

jeffed

Despres won't be around for 2 more years probably.

06/21/2010 4:25pm

dirtmccurt

Its not even his suspect play its just the fact that we'll be so tight to the cap with a 3 year/5 mill contract. Experimenting with the PP to get it to click is a lot easier then playing with contracts to get under the cap

06/21/2010 4:26pm

Chancebd7

yup 50 regular season points, still cant see paying him more than 3.5 mil a year with him on the backend of his career and with our current cap situation. and also that he plays no defense whatsoever

06/21/2010 4:27pm

Schmidty0818

D, you mean 5 million per season, right? I would think if he was looking for 3 million, this would've been wrapped up a long time ago.

06/21/2010 4:27pm

jeffed

Look around the league, that's the going rate.

06/21/2010 4:27pm

dynamicduo

yes but scoring isnt the problem, its stopping teams from scoring. it is unreasonable to sign gonchar only for his powerplay duties and it is well documented how bad our pp was last year. i saw start fresh and let the young guys take it over. i liked letang's playoff offensively and if he can take that approach into next season we will be fine. we really need a solid stay at home dman, not gonchar for another 3 years. after 1 year we will all be wishing he was gone

06/21/2010 4:28pm

jeffed

Gogo plays no defense but is praised... weird. At least Gonchar is in good position most of the time, can't be said for the up and coming stud.

06/21/2010 4:28pm

jeffed

We said the same thing about Letang after last years playoffs, didn't happen.

06/21/2010 4:29pm

Jeff2266

waste ur time looking at PP % in the regular season, how in the playoffs, stanely cup finals coming through with clutch goals, people who think gonchar is replacable are going to be in for a rude awakening if he leaves

06/21/2010 4:31pm

Jerkhart66

I'd rather have gonch for the short term than Go-Go for the long term.....BUT...if Gonch wants 5 mill...I'd rather trade his rights and trade Go-Go....either way...IM a huge supporter of trading Go-Go..

06/21/2010 4:32pm

jeffed

I just don't understand how people can't see this Jeff, its pretty damn clear.

06/21/2010 4:32pm

Jeff2266

When crosby and malkin spend less time with the puck because gonchar is so great at starting rushes u'll be wishing he was still around.

06/21/2010 4:33pm

jeffed

Nah, don't worry, Gogo will handle that... I literally can barely type that without having a seizure.

06/21/2010 4:33pm

Jeff2266

how much upwards of 3mil we talkin about if hes under 4 mil how isnt this deal done yet

06/21/2010 4:33pm

jeffed

That has to be a typo

06/21/2010 4:34pm

Jeff2266

ya id be thinking upwards of 5 mil is what he wants

06/21/2010 4:35pm

jeffed

Exactly, if it was $4m it would be done IMO, let alone 3

06/21/2010 4:35pm

Nxt_1_Cometh

I think the term is what the Pens are scared of. If it was 3 years, $9 mill. I'd do it in a heartbeat.

06/21/2010 4:36pm

dynamicduo

explain gonchar's injury problems (72 games missed the last 2 seasons), how is he getting younger and strong, oh wait, he's not.

06/21/2010 4:37pm

Nxt_1_Cometh

for 3 mil a season, I'll take the injury problems and defensive issues.

06/21/2010 4:40pm

jeffed

Who is possibly getting younger... think about that.

06/21/2010 4:40pm

Nxt_1_Cometh

HAHAHAHA nice jeffed.

06/21/2010 4:40pm

jeffed

As long as he's healthy in the playoffs he seems to perform which can't be said for other defenseman.

06/21/2010 4:41pm

Nxt_1_Cometh

except tanger of course.

06/21/2010 4:43pm

jeffed

He had freak injuries, he doesn't have a nagging knee, back, neck etc. Stuff happens with injuries that's all there is to it. if it was a degenerative problem then you would have a better argument IMO.

06/21/2010 4:43pm

jeffed

Tanger shows up in the playoffs

06/21/2010 4:43pm

Nxt_1_Cometh

agreed. thats what i meant haha

06/21/2010 4:44pm

jeffed

Yeah I was agreeing, didn't mean to leave him out.

06/21/2010 4:46pm

Powermousemike

i think some people on this board are seriously undervaluing gonchar. he put up 50 pts in 62 games this year. he will be a 50-60 pt defensemen for another 3-4 years. look at lidstrom, he's 40 and put up 49 pts, i expect gonchar to do the same

06/21/2010 4:54pm

dirtmccurt

I don't think that it will be easy to replace his 50 points but I do think losing him will help the PP in the long run. Having Gonchar is forcing us to run an umbrella formation and causing a 3 way battle for the puck between he, Crosby and Malkin. Give the team a full summer off season with a new (and good) PP coach and I think we can crack the top 15

06/21/2010 4:54pm

Powermousemike

he's not going to come down in his demands. he played with washington forever and then left for money in pitt. i expect he'll do the same here. need to give him atleast 5 million, anything less is seriously underpaying.

06/21/2010 4:55pm

Powermousemike

the top 15 is an embarrasement for the talent on this team. it should be in the top 5 every year

06/21/2010 4:56pm

Jerkhart66

Good point Dirt.....plus losing whatever salary he demands allows you to add another peice for that same amount of money, who could be good on the powerplay....it even frees up cap room for a trade...that being said..I'd love to see Sarge here for 2-3 more years, but not for 5 mill....

06/21/2010 4:56pm

Jeff2266

there is no way gonchar hurts the PP, the only time the PP struggles is in the regular season where they seem to not try to retrieve the puck. When they get possesion and start moving it around there arn't many PPs in the league that r better

06/21/2010 4:57pm

Jeff2266

Pens sign Lovejoy to 3 year deal

06/21/2010 4:58pm

niespodj

3yrs for $10 million: Absolutely! 3yrs for $15 million? See ya...

06/21/2010 4:58pm

Jeff2266

official site has lovejoy signing

06/21/2010 4:59pm

Powermousemike

we really need the young guys to be able to step up and contribute in meaningful ways soon (depres, tangradi, etc). with all these large contracts kicking in, it becomes a nightmare

06/21/2010 4:59pm

Jeff2266

2 way deal 525,000 per year

06/21/2010 4:59pm

jpaha

id love to have him back too, but not at what he's making currently. he will probably put up 50-60 points for the next 2-3 years, but putting the puck in our net is not the problem. even with the gonchar-less powerplay, we were 4th in goals scored in the entire league, while we were 20something in goals against. if he would come back at 4mil per id take it, but our biggest problem is keeping the puck out of our net and that is not gonch's specialty

06/21/2010 5:00pm

Jerkhart66

What hurts the powerplay is crosby and malkin wanting to play the same spot...and when you have your two best players on the same side, and Go-Go coming in for a cross ice pass shot every play..you wont have much success.

06/21/2010 5:00pm

Chancebd7

two way deal

06/21/2010 5:00pm

Powermousemike

so its 2 way for next year and then a one way for the final 2 years?

06/21/2010 5:01pm

Jeff2266

No one has been able to finish that cross ice pass like Whitney

06/21/2010 5:01pm

Powermousemike

theres no way lovejoy would sign a to way deal for 3 years

06/21/2010 5:01pm

Chancebd7

Didnt say power just says 2 way and what he would make at the nhl level

06/21/2010 5:02pm

Jeff2266

check it out powerhouse its on the official site

06/21/2010 5:02pm

Chancebd7

im sure D will know more of the details here shortly

06/21/2010 5:02pm

jpaha

two way first year, one way after. Very nice by Lovejoy and Pens. i think he will be a very nice bargain for the pens for 3 years. glad they didn't just sign him to a 1 year deal when he'd be eligible for a raise and we'd lose him

06/21/2010 5:02pm

Jeff2266

there u go

06/21/2010 5:03pm

DeathByEmu

Can we get a clarification that $3 million is a typo? If that is right, pull the trigger. Unless he is asking for a 7-year deal at that price or something.. We were all assuming 5-6 million was the asking price.

06/21/2010 5:03pm

Chancebd7

Great deal by the pens for lovejoy

06/21/2010 5:04pm

dirtmccurt

Another great move by Shero. This kid at under 600k will be a steal for the next 3 years

06/21/2010 5:04pm

Chancebd7

cant believe he signed that cheap really

06/21/2010 5:04pm

Powermousemike

lovejoy is dirt cheap, seems like a great signing

06/21/2010 5:05pm

Chancebd7

06/21/2010 5:05pm

dirtmccurt

But back to earlier, I don't mean the Gonchar is hurting the PP but he is keeping us from exploring a new setup. He is not our best player, Crosby and Malkin are but using Gonchar at the top of the umbrella forces Crosby and Malkin to have to fight for the half wall.

06/21/2010 5:08pm

Chancebd7

Malkin needs to be at the right circle for the one timer IMO, let sid cry all he wants but he cant blast from there like geno can

06/21/2010 5:16pm

lancer1982

Jeffed....CAN YOU COUNT? Signing Gonchar to $5M/season is cap suicide. We need to fill other areas and hope the young guys can take over.

06/21/2010 5:19pm

mwalluk

The Gonch situation is a catch 22, seriously it is. On one hand, it's cap suicide esp with other deals kicking in, moreover if Gonch can't stay healthy and play declines on the other hand we lose a PP QB, and one of the best Offensive Dman around

06/21/2010 5:21pm

BillCitro

The Gonchar situation really sucks for the Pens. The only good scenario would be if they sign him to a reasonable rate and he produces, doesn't worsen defensively, and stays relatively healthy for the whole contract. Little chance of that happening. If they let him go, the powerplay will surely struggle at least initially and they will be blamed for that.

06/21/2010 5:34pm

Monrovian12

pretty much mwalluk...Sign a one dimensional old guy to a lot of money with a lot of risk...or hope Gogo can play well again...

06/21/2010 5:51pm

dirtmccurt

The only way I could stomach a 3 year 5 mill contract is if there isn't a NTC.

06/21/2010 5:54pm

dirtmccurt

That would actually make things interesting considering that no other team will get him that cheap (we think)

06/21/2010 5:58pm

jaluco

I have to laugh at this "Gonchar is one dimensional" thing. It couldnt' be further from the truth. The guy might not be Lidstrom, but he's more than capable in his own end considering what he brings in the offensive zone. More than capable.

06/21/2010 6:17pm

BillCitro

I would do 2 years 3.5 max. I'm sure he can get 5+ on a one year deal, maybe 4+ on a two year deal on the open market.

06/21/2010 6:17pm

jaluco

Your numbers are low, if we're talking about the open market. Hell, Mattias Ohlund got nearly $4 million on the open market.

06/21/2010 6:23pm

SV84

Gonchar seems like a that a lot of people would be happy to lose but would go back on and wish he was back. I'd like him back, but not forever.

06/21/2010 6:24pm

Monrovian12

So, his ability in the offensive zone holds weight in his capabilities on defense? Yea, that makes sense...

06/21/2010 6:32pm

dirtmccurt

I think we should start considering what his rights will bring because the decision to bring him back or not is in a stalemate. I think if his rights, alone or packed, bring a fair return then we should just part ways and get what we can

06/21/2010 6:38pm

jaluco

You make concession for a 65 pt defenseman - yes. And with him, you're not even making many - the guy isn't exactly Sandis Ozolinsh.

06/21/2010 6:38pm

jaluco

He has a no trade clause.

06/21/2010 6:38pm

CM2005

Gonchar made 5.5 million last year. 3 million a year doesnt seem too bad to me.

06/21/2010 6:40pm

jaluco

Yeah. It sounds awesome. I mean, he'd laugh in your face, and rightfully so, but aside from that, it's sounds delightful.

06/21/2010 6:43pm

dirtmccurt

Whose to say he wouldn't waive it, I just think its bad to at least not weigh all your options

06/21/2010 6:45pm

Chancebd7

The guy cant play forever and has been getting injured the past few years, and yes jaluco i know they are freak board injuries but they are injuries none the less. let the guy walk and get paid we will have to find a way to make t work without him.

06/21/2010 6:48pm

jaluco

Who's to say that he will? Why would he? The burden is on you to tell me why he would waive it.

06/21/2010 6:48pm

jaluco

Is Kunitz injury prone? I guess we better get him the hell outta here, too.

06/21/2010 6:51pm

froods

Yea...you Gonchar haters are out of your mind. He is not a defensive liabilty....he was thrust into the shutdown role this year. I don't know if givng him 5 million over 3 is a good idea or not....but who ever gets him is getting one hell of a player

06/21/2010 7:11pm

dirtmccurt

No the burden is on you to tell me why he wouldn't. It's not like this is the deadline and we're making him move from Pittsburgh to LA, we're giving another team the opportunity to sign him before he hits the open market. I can't see any reason why you wouldn't waive your rights.

06/21/2010 7:12pm

jaluco

...because he can wait a few days and go anywhere he wants?

06/21/2010 7:13pm

dirtmccurt

He couldn't do the same for the team he gets traded to? Its the least he could do for a team that has payed him tens of millions of dollars

06/21/2010 7:16pm

jaluco

In all honesty dirt, anyone trading for him blind where he's just going to walk anyway isn't going to give you anything worth even discussing - if you're that hard up for the 6th round pick he'll bring in without the team you're trading him to having a deal in place already, more power to you. To gain anything substantial, the chances are between slim and none.

06/21/2010 7:18pm

dirtmccurt

I agree with you, my first question to begin with was are we at least looking. You of all people should know how dumb GMs could be. Ex// Tallon was an idiot with Campbell now he's on a dying Florida team that could really use a PP qb

06/21/2010 7:21pm

dirtmccurt

*can be not could be

06/21/2010 7:21pm

jaluco

They'd be crazy not to look. The problem is, whenever you consummate a deal, all Gonchar has to say is "no dice" and it's all for not.

06/21/2010 7:26pm

LeMagnifique

im not going to question gonchars talents but the fact is that he is going to ask for 5 mil over 3 years and you just cant give that to him. if we had the cap space i would have no problem giving him that, but i think the bigger need is a defensive defensman. i think marc andre bergeron could step in on the cheap and do a close to similar job on the pp and that way we could sign someone like volchenkov.

06/21/2010 7:28pm

SV84

I agree both ways, they need to at least see the market but chances of getting something good are low. However if the Pens shop him but still are open to retaining him they may want to keep it on the DL because he may see this as they've got no interest in him returning.

06/21/2010 7:28pm

SV84

Although I wouldn't put it past some teams to giving up a nice return, but he'd probably use the NTC.

06/21/2010 7:30pm

dirtmccurt

The problem I have with him is that he wants it all. He wants to stay here, he wants a long contract and he wants big money. There's going to be few teams that can offer him all 3. But if anyone can find a good deal it will be RS

06/21/2010 7:35pm

dirtmccurt

*Shit, alright no one else can offer him all 3. By all 3 I meant playing for a contender, long contract, big bucks

06/21/2010 7:36pm

dirtmccurt

Well it appears that the boys at TSN catch on quick...

06/21/2010 8:08pm

jaluco

Well, it's been reported he wants $5 million from Pittsburgh. I think he can, and will, get more than that on the open market, so I think he's making some concessions - I'm not saying those concessions are enough to to make him work here, but I don't think he's asking for market value from Pittsburgh.

06/21/2010 8:09pm

CM2005

Would you guys be OK if Gonchar resigned at 5M a year, on a 2 year deal, and Gogo was traded?

06/21/2010 9:36pm

froods

yes...but why trade GoGo?

06/21/2010 9:52pm

Samtheman

i told u guys il lsay it again were wasing our time on this bum let him be traded to L A

06/21/2010 10:05pm

jeffed

Why trade Gogo? Lets see, where would you like to start?

06/21/2010 10:23pm

jeffed

Sam - Please stop.

06/21/2010 10:24pm

zerocool6687

Losing this guy is gonna be tough... Without him in the line up we have been awful and this is a fact! At the same time he is playing "that" game with this contract shit... he has been getting hurt a lot now so we may have to learn to play without him this yr (at least parts of it) anyway. We will have to deal with this situation sooner then later but if Gonchar is gonna play the game then lets start exploring the other options... if is not signed by Jul 1 I would rather get something then leave with nothing. The guy has his cup so he could be looking for his payday... again if he is not signed by July 1st then I hope Shero learned from the Hossa thing... dont pass up other opportunities to hang onto a player that may wait to play one teams number vs ours and "give us the shot to match"... we have a lot tied up elsewhere and when push comes to shove we may not be able to afford his services any longer!

06/21/2010 10:26pm

jeffed

I don't get it. People say we can't afford his services any longer but they want us to sign Martin or Volchenkov which will command hte same money and produce less. I don't see the reason to change just for the sake of change.

06/21/2010 10:33pm

zerocool6687

I never said that... Im not sure we can afford to place anyone back there for more then 3 million!

06/21/2010 10:39pm

jeffed

I'm not trying to point you out, everyone else is pretty much saying that. They can def afford more than 3mm

06/21/2010 10:40pm

CM2005

The 3M number is a typo. If Gonchar would have taken 3M, he would already be locked up. He'll get more then that, and test the market. My guess is he won't be a Pen next year, and it's a tough pill to swallow along with his 60 points avg.

06/21/2010 11:10pm

jeffed

zero said the pens can't afford 3mm, which i believe is completely false. the 3mm typo has been corrected to 5 in the article.

06/21/2010 11:12pm

jeffed

He'll prob get $6mm from someone and wouldnt' be shocked to see more honestly.

06/21/2010 11:13pm

CM2005

I agree Jeffed. I think he will get 6, 5.5,5.0 for 3 years. But it won't be from the Pens. I think he leaves the Pens, but what im focused on is the moves they make after he's gone. I hope Gogo doesn't get rewarded, because he is not a direct replacement for Gonchar.

06/21/2010 11:38pm

↑ previous comments ↑

beerman69

Let the moron walk.. Do not give him that kind of money. He is old, and gets hurt alot.. Trust the beerman.

06/22/2010 8:04am

jeffed

Gogo is in no way shape or form a replacement for Gonchar.

06/22/2010 9:08am

zerocool6687

Again... I said we cannot afford to place anyone back there for more then 3 mil, not that we could not afford 3... maybe we can push that a half mil! Yes we have the cap room to put someone back there for 5 easy... if we want to completely neglect the wing positions once again by all means lets toss as much of the cap space we have left at Gonchar... and in waiting for his decision lets all live comfortably knowing that in no way shape or form could this have a Hossa style ending. As Jaluco said... making concessions for this guy may have to be done... I may be alright with that if Shero has an ace up his sleeve and can make our flank stronger this yr then it was last even with locking 4.5 to 5 up in Sarge for another 3 yrs however it has to be done before July 1 IMO... after that I feel the only way we keep this guy is by matching another offer that could go even higher... and if we decide not to match it may already be to late to chase after other decent UFAs! I dont see him worth the money he is asking for... he has not been very good in his own end in the last couple seasons which is a bit surprising considering what he looked like on the D in 2008... he was solid! Plus at 36 his deal is written in stone... .if he gets hurt (which is seemingly easier to do at this point of his career.. age is a factor) we are tied into that deal weather he can move forward or not!

06/22/2010 9:19am

Jerkhart66

i don't think we need to call him a moron. If anything he's pretty damn smart by demanding at least a 3 year deal to close out his career and looking for upwards of 5 mil when he knows he'll get it on the open market. With that being said, if we spend 5 mil on him and neglect the wings like zerocool ranted on about, we won't be able to contend with the offensive powerhouses like Washington

06/22/2010 10:21am

kevo2233

From ESPN Insider: It looks like Sergei Gonchar might hit free agency, TSN's Darren Dreger tweets. The Pens talked numbers with him and, it appears, Gonchar priced himself out of Pittsburgh. So they could shop a few days of negotiating right to another team in the next few days. However, Dreger writes, if Gonchar hits the market he could collect "upwards of $6 million" a season. Among the team that could be interested are the New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks. But for the contract figure to reach upwards of $6 million, there will likely have to be other bidders shooting up the price tag.

06/22/2010 10:54am