photo courtesy of katiya
I’m hearing there’s talk coming out of Canada that the Penguins and Senators discussed a major deal involving Jordan Staal, Ryan Whitney as the centerpiecies for a deal that would have sent star forward Dany Healtley to Pittsburgh. It’s also believed the Penguins would have received another forward as part of the deal and gritty forwards Chris Neil and Shean Donovan were discussed.
The Senators I’m told halted talks after Pittsburgh wouldn’t include another “mystery roster player” the Senators were seeking and there has been no talks in the last 7 days. The Senators asking price appears to be “too high” at this point and it should be for a player like Heatley.
Something to consider is the Penguins offered Marian Hossa $7.2 million per season in the summer. The Penguins had a plan on how to fit another $7 million a year salary last off-season and the plan wasn’t getting rid of Marc Andre Fleury or Evgeni Malkin because the framework of deals for both players were finalized prior to Hossa bolting for Detroit.
Reasons why talks could re-ignite?
The Senators have recently been scouting the Penguins quite often the past 2-3 weeks. They had scouts at the Penguins last home game against the Sharks and had an representative in attendance today for the Penguins/Islanders game
Dany Heatley has a cap hit of $7.5 million and has a NTC. Senators GM Bryan Murray has claimed he will not ask Dany Heatley to waive his No Trade Clause but like all GM’s he will listen to offers.
The Penguins are engaged in trade talks with several teams including the Tampa Lightning, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, New york Islanders, Nashville Predators, Buffalo Sabres and Edmonton Oilers.
The Penguins have also been eyeing Tampa Bay’s Martin St. Louis and Nashville’s Martin Erat. Talks with the Avalanche have not hit the serious stages yet.
