Trade Talks heating up; Gonchar Contract Talks

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been talking exclusively with 2-3 teams in the past 48 hours. Neither team is the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Carolina Hurricanes I'm told.

Pittsburgh remains in talks with the Columbus Blue Jackets about winger Raffi Torres. However, a deal is not close to being finalized as the Blue Jackets have yet to halt talks with other teams in the mix for Torres. The Bruins, Kings, and Capitals are believed to be the other three main suitors for Torres.

Pittsburgh, along with the Boston Bruins pushed hard to acquire Torres before the February 12th trade freeze.

According to team sources, management is hopeful to progress towards a deal by the weekend but the ball is in the Blue Jackets court. Pittsburgh is believed to be willing to move a 3rd draft choice and mid tier prospect in return for Torres. Dustin Jeffrey is a prospect of interest for the Blue Jackets.

If there is no progress towards a deal by the weekend, look for Pittsburgh to put their efforts elsewhere. Carolina and Toronto could then come into the picture.

Gonchar Contract Talks

Sources tell me Pens GM Ray Shero is expected to speak to the media this week and will likely provide a brief update on contract talks with Sergei Gonchar.

Penguins management met with Gonchar's agent J.P. Barry late last week and there has been talk coming out of the organization that Pittsburgh tendered their first official offer to Gonchar on Monday.