Agent: “Talks are on-going” between Fedotenko, Penguins

Pittsburgh – The signings of Bill Guerin and Craig Adams have left the Penguins with less than $6 million in cap space as the Penguins have atleast four more holes to plug throughout their lineup.

One of the teams top priorities this off-season has been re-signing winger Ruslan Fedotenko.

Contract talks began in Montreal over the weekend but to this point, the two sides remain apart on the term and the amount of the money per season, according to a team source.

With less than 36 hours until free agency begins, Allan Walsh the agent for Fedotenko tells Inside Pittsburgh Sports this evening “talks are on-going” and as of this moment, totally false” that Fedotenko has informed the Penguins he will test free agency.

Fedotenko is believed to be seeking a three year deal and at this point it does appear unlikely that the two sides will find common ground before July 1st.

Pittsburgh tendered Fedotenko’s camp a

two year proposal this week with a NTC. The salary is unknown but it is believed that the two sides are atleast $400,000 apart in the amount of money per season.

If Fedotenko opts for free agency which appears likely, he will join Rob Scuderi, Petr Sykora, Miroslav Satan, Hal Gill and Philippe Boucher.

Pittsburgh has held contract talks with Rob Scuderi and Petr Sykora but the team will not make an offer before July 1 and let both players explore their options.

The team has held minimal talks with Hal Gill who opted out of his lease prop in ShadySide and doesn’t believe he will be back.

Ray Shero will have to get creative but Pittsburgh still has some wiggle room to add a $3 million a year winger.