Clock is ticking as free agency looms
League insiders tell me Sergei Gonchar is regarded by 4-to-5 teams in the market for a top-3 defenseman as the most attractive defenseman who could become a free agent on July 1.
It appears teams keeping a close eye on the Gonchar situation will have the opportunity to land one of the most gifted offensive defensemen to play the game in the past 15 years.
Contract talks between Pens GM Ray Shero and J.P. Barry have gone nowhere in recent days and unless the Penguins make some concessions, it appears to be a certainty that Gonchar will hit the open market.
Gonchar’s agent J.P. Barry on any new developments in talks: “No movement, tic toc.” Barry told Inside Pittsburgh Sports, shortly after 8:30 p.m. this evening.
Free agency begins 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 1.