The Pittsburgh Penguins and Sergei Gonchar are miles apart on a new deal and Rob Rossi of the Tribune-Review reports that talks have been put off until the off-season, according to Gonchar’s agent J.P. Barry.
Pittsburgh who I’m told was open to negotiating past the trade deadline, if progress was made during the Olympic break, are now in a difficult position.
Pittsburgh which discussed offers of two years and three years were never close to coming to an agreement with Gonchar.
A league source says Sergei Gonchar’s camp countered Pittsburgh’s offers with a three year offer worth $15 million and four years worth $18.25 million.
The belief from league executives is that the two sides will not come to an agreement prior to July 1st, when Sergei Gonchar is set to become a free agent.
Pittsburgh has had the opportunity to negotiate a new deal with Gonchar since July 1st, 2009 and there has been no movement from Gonchar’s camp in 8 months
They are demanding a term of 3 and 4 years and no home-town discount has been on the table. A home-town discount won’t all of a sudden appear after the season.
Those close to Gonchar believe Gonchar will get offers close to $6 million per season on the open market.
As important that Gonchar is to Pittsburgh, it is in their best interest to at least explore a trade for him.