Penguins/NHL
Day 3 8:40 a.m. – This is what I got right now. Jagr a longshot. Naslund is also looking like a longshot. Most of Naslunds efforts are with the New York Rangers, Vancouver and Minnesota. With Fleurys contract the pens are down to 8 million in cap space with 4 roster sports to fill. Shero looking at older veterans but i was told to lower the expectations. Hearing Jason Williams , Mirsolav Satan and this morning. A lot of pressure on Shero to get a top 6 winger via trade. gotta run… update later.
1:08 a.m. Penguins expect decision from Naslund tomorrow. Talks intensifying with Matt Cooke. Cooke is also in talks with two other teams. Despite Penguins breaking off talks with Bertuzzi, Penguins still interested if his demands come down. Big news of the night — sources are confirming that the Penguins have signed Marc Andre Fleury to a 7yr – 34 million deal. ….. updates in the morning. Just want to thank everybody for viewing the site today. It was a lot of fun and I look forward to covering day 3 of NHL free agency. Should see some movement from the Penguins tomorrow.
12:25 a.m. I’m getting confirmation from sources that the Marc Andre Fleury deal I reported on Monday is 7yrs – 34 million. The two sides have agreed in principle…. to be announced in a few days.
11:55 p.m. Very slow night on the rumor trail. I’ve pretty much laid it out for everybody the past 4-5 hours. The Penguins are in play for a lot of players. At the top of their wishlist has been Markus Naslund. I’m hearing the Penguins remain in the hunt for Naslund, but my sources indicate the Penguins are not the favorites. A lot of people expected Naslund to make a decision tonight but thats looking unlikely. I’m being told the Penguins may need to increase their offer. Word is Minnesota has a offer in the 4-4.5 million range. Rangers are the favorites if Jagr doesn’t return. As I’ve been reporting since the draft, Ray Shero has received many calls regarding Ryan Whitney. A team that will get Penguins fans thinking about another Marian is the Minnesota Wild. I’m told the Wild inquired about Whitney prior to July 1 but talks were never serious. The Wild are no longer interested in Whitney since acquiring Marek Zidlicky from Nashville. Buffalo, San Jose, Florida, Ottawa have all made inquires in the past two weeks. Columbus made a play for Whitney before they struck a deal with the New York Rangers today. Ownership does not want to move Whitney unless a offer they can’t refuse comes their way. more updates as they come.
11:05 p.m. Quick update on Orpik. He did not get a NTC but got a 2 year promise and a limited movement clause. I’m also hearing he was almost out the door until he got calls from Scuderi, Whitney, Crosby, Letang, Fleury, Talbot and Kennedy begging him to stay. –very tight group
9:55 p.m. Source: Jagr situation could go on for a few more days despite Rangers wanting a answer.
9:54 p.m. Source: Penguins break off talks with Bertuzzi. Asking price too high right now. Penguins did indicate they are still interested but only on their terms. I’m hearing the Penguins may turn their attention to Ruslan Fedotenko. Jason Williams is also getting some consideration. Matt Cooke is still in play.
9:45 p.m. Penguins still waiting to hear back from Markus Naslund on the 2yr – 7.5 million offer they made. I’m hearing Minnesota has a offer on the table for Naslund in the 4 million range. May only be a 1yr deal. I’m told he’s still considering a offer from New York and Vancouver.The Penguins may have to get back to Miroslav Satan who indicated he has a interest in Pittsburgh. Right now the waiting game begins with Naslund.
9:40 p.m. Jagr on the backburner for the Penguins until he gives Glen Sather a decision.
9:30 p.m. TSN is reporting Kristian Huselius has signed a four year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets worth $4.75 million per year. Sources tell TIOPS the Penguins offered Huselius a 4yr – 16 million deal.
8:35 p.m. Penguins picking up pursuit of Huselius in the past couple hours. The Penguins plan A is Naslund and Huselius. I’m hearing a 4 year offer has been made to Huselius, believed to be in the range of 4 – 4.25 million per season. Huselius has bigger offers on the table and Pittsburgh is still a longshot, although he was expected to sign with somebody around 6:00 p.m. est.
7:50 p.m. Jagr has been given a deadline from the Rangers to accept their offer or they are moving in another direction. I’ve received a lot of emails about Pavel Demitra. The latest on him is the Penguins have not made a offer but they have had discussions. A lot of people are also asking about Ruslan Fedotenko. Same situation as Demitra. No offer but their has been discussions.
7:31 p.m. Still no word from Bertuzzi and Naslund. The Penguins are exploring all options right now. There are quite a few teams who have jumped into the Naslund sweepstakes. I’m hearing he has offers from Pit, NYR, Min, Van, MTL, Ott. My sources expect some movement from him tonight. working the emails…… waiting back on some info. It is likely we will see a signing or two by midnight. From what I’m gathering the Penguins are looking for two forwards to play with Sidney Crosby.
7:29 p.m. Source: A lot of chatter regarding Ryan Whitney from teams who missed out on acquiring a Brian Campbell or Mark Striet.
7:22 p.m. I’m being told a reason Kristen Huselius is still on the market is because Pittsburgh is starting to make some noise. I’ve got Vancouver, Minnesota, CLB, Atlanta as the front runners. The Islanders have also made a offer. I’m hearing the Penguins are willing to go 4 million per season but most likely not higher than that. Looking unlikely but their still a player for him.
7:10 Sources tell TIOPS Antti Miettinen has turned down a three year offer from the Penguins. I’m hearing Miettinen is considering offers from Minnesota, Washington, Buffalo, Vancouver and Calgary.
6:23 p.m. I’m hearing Jason Smith may be close to signing a two year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
6:04 p.m. Offer made to Bertuzzi ( 1yr – $2million?…… Penguins waiting to hear back
6:02 p.m. Decision expected tonight from Naslund. I’m hearing Penguins may have gone up to 4 million per season.
5:55 p.m. Penguins in the running for Antti Miettinen. He was seeking 3 million per season when free agency began but his price has dropped. Team has been in discussions with Matt Cooke. Both players are being sought for depth reasons. Jason Williams is an interesting name to come up. Penguins inquired about him at the trade deadline but haven’t heard much about him since free agency began.
5:36 p.m. Miroslav Satan has expressed an interest in Pittsburgh, according to a source. He’s not at the top of the Penguins wishlist but he could be a option if they miss out on their potential targets.
5:34 p.m. Penguins looking to add three forwards. Naslund considering offers from the Penguins, Rangers, Canucks and Wild. Decision expected by tonight. I’m hearing the Penguins offer to Naslund is 2yrs – 7.5 million. I’m hearing the Rangers are going in another direction with Jagr unless he is willing to accept to stay for less money. I’m being told the Rangers have a take it or leave it offer on the table. The offer is 1 year – 4 million.
5:05 p.m. Penguins have signed Orpik…….6yrs – 22.5 million
5:03 Penguins still working to get a deal done with Orpik. My sources have been hearing there are some whispers that the Rangers are going in another direction regarding Jagr and are looking at cheaper alternatives but nothing has been confirmed yet. Andy Strickland reports the Rangers are pursuing Pavel Demitra.
4:14 p.m. Source: Orpik has a 5 yr – 22 million offer on the table from the San Jose Sharks that he is seriously considering. Rangers back in the Orpik Sweepstakes? I’m hearing its down to Sj, NYR, Ott and Pit.
4:06 p.m. Pittsburgh has entered the Huselius sweepstakes but they are not willing to offer the 4.5 – 5 million Huselius is seeking. Waiting for more info on him. Nothing new to report on Naslund. The last I heard, talks were in the serious stages. Cooke, Fedotenko, Bertuzzi drawing interest from the Penguins. The team has also had preliminary talks with Pavel Demitra although he is. Jagr update in a bit
3:57 p.m. Orpik wants 22.5 million over 6 years from the Penguins. I’m told he has declined a offer from Atlanta and the Thrashers have now signed defenseman Ron Hainsey. Ottawa is the team I’m hearing that has made a late offer worth 4.25 million.
3:36 p.m. Senators may not be done trying to sign former Penguins. According to a source, the Senators have inquired about Georges Laraque and late today have made a offer to Brooks Orpik. more details in a bit. Laraque is likely to sign with either Edmonton or Montreal
3:13 p.m. Penguins looking at Matt Cooke to add depth to their 3rd and 4th lines. I’m still hearing there is some interest in Todd Bertuzzi. The top priority remains Markus Naslund.
3:08 p.m. TSN is reporting Ottawa Senators sign UFA Forward Jarkko Ruutu to a three-year, $3.9 million contract.
3:03 p.m. Penguins top priority is Markus Naslund. 2 yrs – 7.5 million deal being discussed. I’m hearing Kristen Huselius has big offers from Vancouver, NYI, Atlanta, Columbus and Minnesota. The Penguins have had talks with Huselius but it is unlikely that they will get into the bidding servies for him. Huselius is seeking 4.5 – 5 million.
2:45 p.m. : I’m hearing Orpik has offers on the table from San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals, Atlanta Thrashers, LA Kings and there are two other teams that got into the sweepstakes today. Once I get confirmation on those two unknown teams I’ll post it. One is believed to be Minnesota but that is just speculation. The sense I get is its not looking good for Pittsburgh unless they increase their offer very soon. Orpik has presented the Penguins the opportunity to come close to any offers he is considering.
2:40 p.m. Columbus in pursuit of a puck moving defenseman and have inquired about Lightning defenseman Dan Boyle and Penguins defenseman Ryan Whitney. Shero has received a few calls about Whitney since the draft but ownership wants him to stay put.
2:24 p.m. Jagr in talks with Pit and NYR.
2:22 p.m. I’ve been told talks are really intensifying with Markus Naslund. The number I’m hearing right now is 3.5-3.75 million per season. That will leave the Penguins with enough cap room to sign another winger in the 3-5 million range.
2:20 p.m. Jarkko Ruutu will sign elsewhere. Pittsburgh was not willing to go three years. OTT, CAR being mentioned.
1:52 p.m. Defenseman Jason Smith continues to be on the Penguins radar.
1:46 p.m. According to a source, Orpik not being signed yet is a bad sign for the Penguins. As of about 12:30 p.m. the Penguins were having internal discussions about matching the offer Orpik had presented them.
1:41 p.m. According to sources I’ve talked to, Don Baizley the agent for Jarkko Ruutu has not returned any calls since Tuesday afternoon.
1:25 p.m. Penguins final offer to Hossa was 7yrs – 50 million. Rob Rossi is reporting the same thing on his blog. Penguins are very disappointed and believed when Winter asked them to increase their offer to 7yrs, it would only be a moment of time before he signed.
1:24 p.m. Source: Jagr talks intensify. 2yrs – 5.5 million per season + incentives. Also talking to NYR. Naslund talks in centering around a 2yr – 7 million offer. He has received offers from NYR and Van
1:20 p.m. The Penguins are engaged in talks with Markus Naslund and Jaromir Jagr. Talks with Naslund are in the “serious stages” I’m being told. The Penguins are looking to get a 2 for 1 or even a 3 for 1 swap with the loss of Marian Hossa. The Penguins are also having discussions with Pavel Demitra. Some other names I’ve been hearing today in the under 2.5 million range are Bertuzzi, Cooke, Donovan, Fedotenko. The Penguins still waiting to hear from Jarkko Ruutu whether he will accept the Penguins two year offer.
1:14 p.m. Sources tell TIOPS Sean Avery will sign with the Dallas Stars
1:10 p.m. Management is flirting around the idea of making a strong run at Kristen Huselius. Huselius is seeking 5 million so lets just hope the Penguins don’t go into panic mode here and sign him. I still see Huselius ending up with the Wild
12:48 p.m. Sources indicate Penguins having internal discussions whether to match the offer Brooks Orpik has presented them. Decision very soon.
12:44 p.m. Penguins have begun pursuit of Markus Naslund and Pavel Demitra. Pittsburgh may be willing to sign both. Naslund has offers on the table from NYR and Van. Talks are still ongoing with Jaromir Jagr. Still waiting on a official announcement regarding Brooks Orpik. He has informed the Penguins of his intentions.
12:30 p.m. – Breaking News Marian Hossa has signed with the Detroit Red Wings. I’ve been saying all along for the past two weeks that Detroit was his first preference and after all it is Detroit. Red Wings head coach Mike Babock is the main reason behind this signing.
11:38 a.m. I am also hearing the Penguins have got word from Marian Hossa. My source is not sure of what both players decided. My source thinks it may not be good news but that is just a personal opinion from my source. No inside information on that. Sorry for being vague, as soon as I hear what the players have decided I will post it. The latest on Hossa was the RedWings, Penguins, Oilers, Canadiens, Canucks and Rangers were still in the sweepstakes. The Rangers and Canucks being big longshots. Just a wait and see game right now.
11:30 a.m. Per Rob Rossi – Press Conference in Edmonton 11:30 a.m. (MST).
11:23 a.m. Decision from Orpik could be within the hour. looking into the Penguins chances
11:13 a.m. Laraque in talks with Nashville, Montreal, Edmonton on a three year deal worth close to 1.5 million. Montreal has also made a offer. It’s believed Laraque has offers from two others teams. More details as they come.
11:08 a.m. Sean Donovan among a list of players Shero is in contact with
11:01 The PG is reporting the Carolina Hurricanes have signed defenseman Joe Melichar to a 1yr – 1 million deal
10:55 a.m. Yesterday Carolina, Ottsewa, Chicago, NYR, Calgary, Dallas and Detroit inquired about Jarkko Ruutu. Penguins still waiting to hear from him. It’s believed Ruutu is still fielding offers. It has been confirmed that the Penguins have signed Mark Eaton to a 2yr – 4 million deal, contrary to reports that it was a 2yr – 2 million deal. I’m being told the Penguins could have signed him for less.
10:15 a.m. Sources indicate Penguins eye Jason Smyth as a short term replacement for Brooks Orpik but the Penguins can’t move on Smyth until they get a answer from Orpik. As of last night I was told Orpik would settle for 6yrs – 22 million. The two sides are still negotiating. There are 6 to 8 teams in the Orpik sweepstakes: Was, ATL, LA, SJ, Pit, MTL, Min. Some reports have the Senators making a late bid but that is just speculation at this point.
10:12 a.m. Do not rule out the Detroit Red Wings in the Marian Hossa sweepstakes. As I’ve been saying for about a week now the Red Wings are his number 1 choice. The issue is they are offering the least amount of money. I’ve been told their offer is in the range of 6.67 million per season. The deal adds up to being very similar to the Penguins 5 year offer. Whether the Penguins have actually increased their offer to 7years is still up in the air. No one really knows right now. At this moment I have the Penguins, Red Wings, Oilers, Canadiens in the Hossa sweepstakes with the Canucks on the outside. Despite spending close to 12 million on Redden and Rozsival, there is speculation that the Rangers are still in the Hossa sweepstakes. Quote From Rangers GM Glen Sather about Jagr – courtesy of the Daily News “I talked to his agent a couple of times and he said that Jaromir would wait until and get back to us,” Sather said. “Where he stands, I think he’s waiting to see what happens with Hossa.”
10:10 a.m. Rob Rossi is reporting the Penguins are believed to be Jagr’s second choice behind the Rangers
8:30 a.m. Some new stuff on Jagr. According to a source Jagr’s agent was approached by Shero as dictated by Lemieux. Mario may contact Jagr this morning. My thoughts on this are a deal is not going to happen but if Hossa goes with somebody else stranger things have happened. As I just wrote just a few minutes ago Markus Naslund has Pittsburgh near the top of his list, but he may not wait around as Pittsburgh continues to wait on Marian Hossa. I’m being told he wants to sign soon. Vancouver making late push since they appear to be out of the Hossa sweepstakes. The Penguins expect some news soon on Hossa but I’m being told Ritch Winter is in no hurry. I would still bet on a decision by the afternoon. Penguins don’t appear as confident as they were last night regarding Ruutu and Orpik. Still trying to find that common ground with Orpik. They expected a decision from Ruutu last night. Still haven’t heard from him. His intentions could be known very soon. Have some meetings to attend. Next update after 10
8:25 a.m. If the Penguins do miss out on Marian Hossa there are indications they have a interest in both Naslund and Demitra. I was told to look at for Naslund today. He’s expected to sign somewhere today and and Pittsburgh is at the top of his list. Det, Van, NYR have offers on the table. MTL has also been in discussions. The longer Brooks Orpik is on the market the likelyhood that more teams are going to get involved. Washington jumped into the sweepstakes late in the game. A few others may be in this to. Min and MTL being mentioned but they can’t move on Orpik until they get answers from Huselius,– Sundin and Hossa respectively. Nothing new on Ruutu. Penguins still waiting to hear from him. He wants three years. Penguins offering two. Could see some movement from him by noon.
2:01 a.m. As I reported on Tuesday, Naslund and Demitra are looking to sign with the same team. I’m looking into the possibility of the Penguins being interested in Demitra if they miss out on Hossa. Check back to the Day 1 free agency page for the latest speculation on Jagr.
1:45 a.m. The Boston Globe is reporting the Boston Bruins may have a deal in place that would send Glen Murray and P.J. Axelsson to Ottawa. I’ve been hearing about this trade since about 10:00 p.m.
1:40 a.m. Detroit and New York have made offers to Markus Naslund. If the Montreal Canadiens sign Marian Hossa they are expected to look to trade forward Alexei Kovalev. Kristian Huselius has offers on the table from Atlanta, Florida and Minnesota. Ritch Winter is urging Marian Hossa to sign with Edmonton. The Penguins are hoping the attraction of playing for a contender win out.
Day 2 12:58 a.mWith all of this talk of Jagr, I wouldn’t look past Markus Naslund who has been on the Penguins radar since the clock struck noon on July 1. Source tell TIOPS Ray Shero is taking calls regarding Ryan Whitney and listening to offers but it appears ownership wants Whitney to stay put. Penguins expect a decision from Jarkko Ruutu by Wednesday morning. No offer has been made to Jason Smith but the interest is there. The Penguins have yet to meet the demands of Brooks Orpik (6yrs – 22 million) but the two sides are still in discussions. Penguins offer to Hossa is for 7.2 million per season. The amount of years is up in the air. It’s either 5 or 7. Montreal is offering 6yrs 7.8 million. Reports all over indicate Edmonton is offering 9 million.
