Inside the Numbers: Committed Salaries for the 2009-2010 Season

With less than 48 hours until NHL free agency begins, Ray Shero is sticking to his plan in trying to keep his championship team in tact by inking Bill Guerin and Craig Adams to new deals.

With more holes to fill, Penguins General Manager Ray Shero has his work cut out for him with the limited cap space the Penguins have available.

A breakdown on committed salaries for the 2009-2010 season and the latest buzz surrounding the Penguins impending free agents.

1. Sidney Crosby – Cap hit $8.7 million (Signed Through 2012-2013 season)

2. Evgeni Malkin – Cap Hit $8.7 million (Signed Through 2013-2014 season)

3. Jordan Staal – Cap Hit $4 million ( Signed Through 2012-2013 season)

4. Craig Adams – Cap Hit – $550,000 (Signed Through 2010-2011 season)

Total Cap Hit – $21.95 million

Waiting in the Wings: Dustin Jeffrey (21 years old) – Cap hit of $510,000, signed through 2010-2011 season

Analysis: Pittsburgh is involved in negotiations with face-off specialist Mike Zigomanis regarding a two year deal. The Craig Adams signing is not believed to have any impact on Zigomanis but many insiders are a surprised a deal has not been agreed too yet.

1. Mike Zigomanis – Age 28 (2008-2009 salary: $650,000)

1. Chris Kunitz – Cap Hit $3.75 million (Signed Through 2011-2012 season)

2. Matt Cooke – Cap Hit $1.2 million (Signed Through 2009-2010 season)

3. Pascal Dupuis – Cap Hit $1.4 million (Signed Through 2010-2011 season)

Total Cap Hit: $6.35 million

Luca Caputi (20 years old) – Cap hit $565,000, signed through 2010-2011 season. Pittsburgh wants Caputi to begin the season in Wilkes Barre — Caputi will be a strong candidate to be called up by mid-season.

Eric Tangradi (20 years old) – Like Caputi, Tangradi will begin the 2009-2010 season in Wilkes Barre.

Analysis: Pittsburgh has about $2-$3 million in cap space to add another winger. The team is currently in talks with Ruslan Fedotenko but the two sides remain apart on the term and amount of money per season. Tomorrow could be a make or break day.

1. Ruslan Fedotenko – Age 30 (2008-2009 salary: $2.2 million)

1. Bill Guerin – Cap Hit $2 million (signed through 2009-2010 season)

2. Max Talbot  – Cap Hit $1.05 million (Signed Through 2010-2011 season)

3. Tyler Kennedy – Cap Hit $725,000 (Signed Through 2010-2011 season)

4. Eric Godard – Cap Hit $750,000 (Signed Through 2010-2011 season

Total Cap Hit: $4.525

Analysis: Bill Guerin’s new deal has the potential to be worth close to $3 million with $850,000 allocated in performance bonuses. Pittsburgh has held preliminary discussions with Petr Sykora. Sykora is seeking a two year deal and a NTC.

1. Petr Sykora Age 32 (2008-2009 salary: $2.5 million)

2. Miroslav Satan Age 34 (2008-2009 salary: $3.5 million)

1. Sergei Gonchar – Cap Hit $5 million (Signed Through 2009-2010 season)

2. Brooks Orpik – Cap Hit $3.75 million (Signed Through 2013-2014 season)

3. Mark Eaton – Cap Hit $2 million (Signed Through 2009-2010 season)

4. Kris Letang – Cap Hit $835,000 (Signed Through 2009-2010 season)

5. Alex Goligoski – Cap hit $1.83 million (Signed Through 2011-2012 season)

Total Cap Hit: $13.415

Ben Lovejoy – Age 25 (Restricted Free Agent)

1. Rob Scuderi – Age 30 (2008-2009 salary: $725,000)

2. Hal Gill – Age 34 (2008-2009 salary: $2.1 million)

3. Philippe Boucher (2008-2009 salary: $2.5 million)

Analysis: Indications are Rob Scuderi will net a four year contract worth $11-$12 million on the open market. Out of the Penguins price range but Pittsburgh will make an offer. TBD on Gill and Boucher, although the Penguins have held minimal talks with both players thus far. We’re hearing Dan Bylsma would like Philippe Boucher to return as a veteran presence. Would have to be at a much lower price.

1. Marc Andre Fleury – Cap Hit $5 million (Signed Through 2013-2014 season)

Total Cap Hit: $5 million

John Curry – Age 24 (Restricted Free Agent)

1. Mathieu Garon – Age 31 ( 2008-2009 salary: $1.1 million)

Analysis: Pittsburgh will look into an affordable veteran goaltender in the ($700k range) to battle John Curry in camp.

Forwards Cap Hit: $32.825 million

Defensemen Cap Hit: $13.415

Goaltending Cap Hit: $5 million

Total Committed Salaries: $51.24 million

2009-2010 Salary Cap: $56.8 million