The Latest Penguins Buzz
*Some league insiders are questioning how forward Wyatt Smith will fit into the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins locker room. The Penguins have a very young core coming in with top prospect Eric Trangradi headlining the group. Smith, 32, has been viewed by some in the know as being a “terrible” veteran in an AHL locker room. He was viewed very negatively by his teammates during his time with the Lake Erie Monsters in 2007-2008. *A source close to Mike Zigomanis indicates there is not a deal in place between the Penguins and Zigomanis. But Pittsburgh is open to bringing Zigomanis back on a two-way deal. Pittsburgh pulled their offer to Zigomanis on June 30th after signing Craig Adams. The team then
NHL: Latest Buzz on Mike Zigomanis
Zigomanis not signing with Pittsburgh?
Zigomanis, Penguins make progress; Nearing Deal?
Sources tell TIOPS that the Pittsburgh Penguins could be on the verge of signing face-off specialist Mike Zigomanis before Wednesday. The two sides have made progress over the weekend on a two year deal worth close to $1.6 million. Unless there is a last-minute deal breaker, an announcement will likely be made after Bill Guerin makes his intentions known, which will come as early as Monday afternoon. Zigomanis has been a priority for the Penguins and with less than three days until free agency begins, discussions have also continued with role player Craig Adams. Pittsburgh has made a one year offer but Adams is believed to be seeking a two year deal. I’m told Shero will have another conversation with
Fedotenko seeking three year deal; leaning towards testing free agency?
Talks expected to go down to the 11th hour Ray Shero and Allan Walsh the agent for Ruslan Fedotenko began their first set of talks on a new contract in Montreal on Thursday. Three days later and the two sides are not any closer to a deal on a new contract than they were on Thursday. Based on discussions thus far, sources indicate the two sides remain apart on the term of the contract and the amount of money per season. Shero will speak to Allan Walsh again Tuesday morning and try to hammer out a deal and talks are expected to go down to the 11th hour. Pittsburgh has made a
The Latest Penguins Draft Buzz
Hearing Penguins scouts do not believe Zach Budish will be around when the Penguins select at #30. Budish is getting serious consideration by the St. Louis Blues at #17, Flames (20) and the Flyers (21). Budish is at the top of the Penguins radar as there is some thought he could slip to the 2nd round. *Pittsburgh wants to go winger at #30 but some of their top targets on the wings may not be around. They will go with the best value, regardless of position. *Pittsburgh recently met with draft prospect/winger Jeremy Morin (USDP – 18). Considered one of the better offensive players in the draft, there have been some concerns with some off-ice issues but nothing serious. *I’m
Guerin talks to pick up at the start of the week/ Zigomanis talks
A few reasons the Penguins have made Mike Zigomanis a priority over Craig Adams; Zigomanis is four years younger, face-off specialist, and has the speed, offensive skill to perform well in Dan Bylsma’s system. Zigomanis has decent offensive skills, scoring 14 goals in 2006 but most importantly he is far more superior on draws than Adams. A well placed source indicates talks have progressed with Zigomanis and discussions have centered around a 2 year deal in the neighborhood of $1.45 million. The deal could end up being a one year deal once it is all said and done as Zigomanis has little value on the open market. After a strong 09-10 season, Zigomanis may want to hit the open market
Mike Zigomanis goes through full practice on Monday
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Mike Zigomanis went through a full practice Monday afternoon and skated on a line with Eric Godard and Petr Sykora. Zigomanis under-went shoulder surgery on January 14th and is healthy enough to return to the lineup. Sources tell me Zigomanis will be taking off of IR in the next couple days. Zigomanis has been skating since early April and was cleared for contact,
NHL: Zigomanis opts to stay in Pittsburgh & rehab shoulder
Penguins forward Mike Zigomanis is on the fast track to returning from mid-season shoulder surgery as Zigomanis is believed to be 6 weeks ahead of schedule. For the past 10 days, Zigomanis has been skating on the side with strength and conditioning coach Mike Kodar. With the chance of being available to return to the lineup in the playoffs, Zigomanis stayed back in Pittsburgh to rehab his shoulder, opting to skip the trip to Philadelphia Sources tell me Zigomanis will participate in a
Zigomanis to be cleared for contact in 10 days?
I’m hearing forward Mike Zigomanis
Penguins envision Jordan Staal as a winger for the 2009-2010 season?
The Latest Buzz Penguins, Zigomanis have mutual interest: Despite missing most of the season with a shoulder injury, look for the Penguins to sign center Mike Zigomanis to a one year deal following the season in the range of $650k. Zigomanis has a strong interest in returning to the team for the upcoming season. The Penguins are looking to fill 3rd/4th line holes with players making close to the minimum salary for next season. Zigomanis is weeks ahead of schedule from shoulder surgery and will begin skating soon. The Penguins have no plans in moving Jordan Staal back to wing for this season but a source close to the team tells me