NHL Free Agency Buzz: Semin said to be looking to match or exceed 2011-2012 salary if he were to accept a 1 year deal

CANES MAKING AGRRESSIVE PITCH ON ONE YEAR DEAL

August is just around the corner and winger Alex Semin, the best pure goal scorer of the entire 2012 free agency class remains unsigned. Prior to free agency opening up, Semin informed his agent Mark Gandler that he wouldn’t consider any one year offers but with Semin’s hand being forced as team’s are balking at his demands of a multi-year deal in excess of $5.5 million per season, he is coming around to the idea of a one year deal, but he has one steep demand.

While it could just be posturing, Semin, according to NHL sources, is adamant about matching or slightly exceeding his 2011-2012 salary of $6.7 million per season, if he were to accept a one year deal.

The Carolina Hurricanes have been one of the, if not the most aggressive team for Semin of late, holding substantive talks with agent Mark Gandler and making a sales pitch to Semin that he will be given an opportunity to battle for a regular penalty killing spot, something which has been very important to Semin.

The Canes have exchanged numbers with Semin but Canes brass has made it clear that they will only consider a one year deal. They are looking like a probable landing spot for Semin on a one year deal but the Canes are unlikely to meet Semin’s demands of close $7 million per season. Carolina though has money to spend and word is could be willing to go just north of $5 million per season.

Meanwhile, word on Monday was that the Penguins who have looked into Semin, were said to not have spoken to Semin’s camp since the week of July 9 – July 15, a sign that the Penguins remain on the sidelines as the Penguins feel they still have a shot at Shane Doan who they are meeting with in Pittsburgh later this week.

A number of teams, including the Devils, Sharks, Rangers, Panthers, and Red Wings, have looked into Semin this off-season and Gandler has also had discussions with the Washington Capitals of late about a possible return for Semin.

With Florida locking up Kris Versteeg to a 4-year, $17.6 million deal, the Panthers are likely going to pass on Semin.