Penguins/NHL
A few reasons the Penguins have made Mike Zigomanis a priority over Craig Adams; Zigomanis is four years younger, face-off specialist, and has the speed, offensive skill to perform well in Dan Bylsma’s system.
Zigomanis has decent offensive skills, scoring 14 goals in 2006 but most importantly he is far more superior on draws than Adams.
A well placed source indicates talks have progressed with Zigomanis and discussions have centered around a 2 year deal in the neighborhood of $1.45 million.
The deal could end up being a one year deal once it is all said and done as Zigomanis has little value on the open market.
After a strong 09-10 season, Zigomanis may want to hit the open market in 2010.
While Pittsburgh’s focus is currently with Zigomanis, have they closed the door on Adams?
Talks with Bill Guerin will pick back up at the start of the week and
an offer is expected to be made by mid-week. Ray Shero and Bill Guerin have spoken on several occasions but an official offer has not been made yet.
That will happen by Wednesday at the latest.
Both sides have agreed to begin negotiations after the weekend according to a source close to Guerin.
I’m told the initial offer will be higher than what Keith Tkachuk received ($2.1 million).
The bright side for the Pengunis is that Guerin has expressed a strong desire in returning. He became emotionally attached to the team, unlike Marian Hossa.
Tidbits
Indications are Ray Shero wants to leave himself atleast $5 million in cap space when free agency begins.
If the Cap stays around 57 million, Pittsburgh has about $8.2 million in cap space right now and that may be stretching it.
