Latest Pens Free Agency Buzz: Where things stand going into July 1

Jagr Latest

— No developments on the Jaromir Jagr front this weekend as Jagr’s agent Petr Svoboda opted to stay back in Czech Republic. Where are things as of today?

The Penguins continue to show interest and discussions between the two sides will pick back up in the next couple days.

The Penguins are expected to make an attempt to sign Jagr but there continues to be no indications that the Penguins are willing to spend much for Jagr. The money factor still looms and is still an obstacle.

Also, despite multiple conversations, the Penguins still don’t have a good feeling on what Jagr’s true desire is when it comes to an NHL return. They hope to get a better idea in the coming days.

Meanwhile, a lot of chatter coming out of the draft is the Red Wings believe Jagr wants to play for Pittsburgh.

Movement soon either way on Rupp, Dupuis

— Penguins GM Ray Shero did not leave the draft with new contracts finalized with any of the Penguins free agents to be. However, we should see movement on at least one front and maybe two within the next 48 to 72 hours.

— The Penguins late this week are said to have made revised offers to both Mike Rupp and Pascal Dupuis. Things are said to be at the stage from the Penguins end where they won’t be moving off their latest proposed numbers.

Agent Allan Walsh who reps both Rupp and Dupuis is expected to get back to Shero by Monday on both fronts and whether he intends to push forward on a deal.

The Penguins are optimistic about getting a deal done with Rupp before July 1.

Dupuis who has been hopeful to land a three year deal from the Penguins, might be looking for a No Trade Clause on any two year deal…. that was the word this weekend.

The wildcard could be what Walsh was able to gather on draft weekend from rival GM’s regarding Rupp and Dupuis. Happens all the time with agents and GM’s convening at the draft, and agents “somehow” (sarcasm) get an idea which teams are going to be after their clients on July 1.

No qualifying offer to Kennedy yet

— On draft day, sources say Ray Shero’s phone wasn’t burning up with trade inquiries on Tyler Kennedy.

That could be a telling sign to Kennedy’s camp.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed to me just after 7:00 p.m. this evening, that the Penguins have yet to make a qualifying offer to Kennedy. Monday is the deadline.

Kennedy’s camp has been under the assumption that the Penguins will be making one but what is the holdup?

— Told that Max Talbot’s reps have been somewhat “surprised” that Shero went public with the term of their offer. Penguins fully expecting Talbot to hit the open market but look for another discussion or two leading up to July 1.

— Has anyone heard from Arron Asham? Things are extremely quiet on his end as the Penguins are believed to not even be looking into him.

— Pittsburgh figures to look for an enforcer on the open market I’m told. The team likely parting ways with Eric Godard is more about Godard seeking more playing time and not interested in a reduced role.