Updates on Hamhuis, Gonchar
As of 1:00 p.m. this afternoon, contacts in Sergei Gonchar’s tell me there is nothing new to report on the Gonchar front. Talks between J.P. Barry and Pens GM Ray Shero have yet to take place today, I am told.
Negotiations with Gonchar appear headed to go down to the wire and possibly into July 1, with Gonchar’s camp not imposing a deadline and the same goes for the Penguins.
Gonchar is believed to be torn on leaving Pittsburgh and is not ready to break off talks despite there being no real movement in recent days. Both sides believe the opportunity is still there for a deal to be worked out.
Parameters from Pittsburgh’s end on what they’re willing to offer have been laid out on the negotiating table.
The Penguins efforts this morning……

have been with Dan Hamhuis agent Wade Arnott. Indications are Hamhuis camp is showing a willingness to listen to what the Penguins are willing to offer.
More on Hamhuis later as I hope to find out specifics as the Hamhuis camp is being very quiet right now.
The growing sentiment around the league is that Hamhuis intends to explore his options in free agency before making a decision on Pittsburgh.