Next big moves for Pens will be hiring of assistant coach, extension for Ray Shero

The biggest news for the Pens in the next 2-3 weeks will be the hiring of a new assistant coach and a multi-year contract extension for Pens GM Ray Shero.

Ownerships top priority this summer has been to lock up Shero to a new contract but the Pens GM has opted to wait until after the draft and free agency to begin negotiations.

Well before training camp opens, Shero is expected to sign a 4-to-5 year extension worth upwards of $2 million per season, sources told Inside Pittsburgh Sports in mid-June.

The deal will make Shero one of the highest paid GM’s in the league.

Meanwhile, the Penguins coaching search has heated up this week.

The team has held formal interviews with Mike Ramsey and Barry Smith. There continues to be indications that Ramsey will take a year off. He is at the top of the Penguins wish list.

One interesting development is that former Penguin Daryl Sydor has expressed a strong interest in the job. It remains highly unlikely that the Penguins will even grant Sydor an interview. He tried to land the St. Louis Blues assistant coach position this summer.

The Penguins are expected to interview former Penguin Randy Cunneyworth this week who also has a strong interest in the job. However, he’s not regarded as a front runner by any means.