Penguins/NHL
Just like a year ago with Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh is receiving siginificant interest in young defenseman Kris Letang.
While there is a strong belief around the league that the Penguins can’t keep Sergei Gonchar and Letang long-term, word from a league source is that Penguins GM Ray Shero has little interest in moving Letang at this point even if a substantial return came Pittsburgh’s way.
The latest team to show significant interest is the Florida Panthers.
Florida has been among a number of teams including the St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars to make inquiries on Letang of late.
However, with the uncertainity of Sergei Gonchar’s situation, the Penguins haven’t given much thought to any inquiries I’m told. One source said Florida is one of those teams to keep an eye come draft day, if the Penguins lock up Sergei Gonchar long-term.
Penguins GM Ray Shero and J.P. Barry the agent for Gonchar will resume contract talks in Vancouver next week. Pittsburgh is currently focused on a three year deal in the range of $4.25 million per season.
Meanwhile, talks between Pittsburgh and Kent Hughes, the agent for Letang, have not been on-going. Hughes has been very private in discussing the status of Letang unlike some other agents who like to talk, but word from a Pens’ source is that the two sides are likely to touch base in Vancouver but both sides don’t expect a deal before the end of the season.
