Latest Penguins Rumors: Sharp identified as a top target, Jiri Hudler linked to Pens?

LATEST PENGUINS RUMORS

Penguins GM Jim Rutherford has identified Patrick Sharp as a top trade target, multiple sources have confirmed over the last 48 hours, and with the General Managers gathered in Las Vegas today, it’s been expected that trade talks for Sharp would start hitting the serious stages in the next 24-48 hours.

Blackhawks reporter Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune reports the Penguins, Panthers and Stars are the teams expressing the most interest at this point.

Rutherford is looking to make a serious play for Sharp and his very close relationship to Sharps agent Rick Curran likely won’t hurt in the process.

Dallas and Florida, though, are two ideal destinations for Sharp, while the Capitals who pursued Sharp at the deadline have been among the teams contemplating a move for Sharp, along with the Islanders.

Guess here is Florida wins the bidding war if the Blackhawks don’t let Sharp dictate the process. However, he does have a no trade clause.

The names being thrown around in trade talks right now is something rarely seen, NHL executives have said. Another interesting name has popped up.

The Calgary Flames still thinking big picture, have made it known to teams that they’re willing to listen on Jiri Hudler who’s entering the final year of his deal.

NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman threw the Penguins out there as a fit for Hudler when on Sportsnet 960 today.

“Obviously the St. Louis guys are out there,” Friedman said of players available. “Patrick Sharp is a guy that I really think you’re going to start seeing Stan Bowman today start to see who’s interested. Sharp has some control over this. Milan Lucic. Jeff Skinner…… I think those are the names you’re going to start to hear. Phil Kessel. Jonas Hiller. I’ve said before on your station I believe they will try and Jiri Hudler too. I’m sitting here and looking at Pittsburgh and saying this is a team that wants a winger to play with Malkin and Crosby. I’m wondering if Hudler might the kind of fit that Pittsburgh is looking for.”

Hudler, 31, has one year left on his deal with a $4 million cap hit. He had a tremendous 2014-2015 season, with 31 goals and 76 points, ranking 8th in the NHL in points. Down the stretch he was playing at an MVP level.

Hudler led the NHL with 60 even strength points.

While Hudler numbers inflated this season, he’s been a consistent 50 point player prior to this season. The price will be steep but the Flames are smart to think big picture and putting his name out there.