Penguins/NHL
On Monday it seemed like the Penguins wouldn’t be a major player for a top-6 forward but on Tuesday talks picked up significantly. As of early Wednesday morning, the Penguins were monitoring the asking price for
Lightning forward and former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Ryan Malone. A lot of chatter on Tuesday surrounded the Tampa Bay Lightning and there was even talk that a deal between the two sides would be announced in the morning.
While it’s been no secret that the Penguins are in on Marty St. Louis, the Penguins have quietly been pursuing Ryan Malone. Pittsburgh I’m told will monitor the market for Malone and see if the asking price comes down a bit. Lightning want a first round pick and top tier prospect for Malone.
Alexander Frolov/Jordan Staal trade talks continued on Tuesday between the Penguins and Kings but talks didn’t progress to the point where it looks like a deal will get done on Wednesday. Pittsburgh has made an offer of Jordan Staal/Pascal Dupuis for F Alexander Frolov, D Denis Gauthier/ roster player.
The issue right now is the Penguins want more than the Kings are willing to offer and Kings want more than what the Penguins want to offer. That has been the issue for over two weeks right now. Both teams have no interest in a Staal – Frolov straight swap.
Significant interest in Jordan Staal around the league. Colorado, LA, Florida, Tampa, and Nashville have all informed the Penguins that they are very interested.
San Jose approached the Penguins today to see if there was any interest in Jonathan Cheechoo.
Colorado would love for Pittsburgh to make a serious play for Ryan Smyth. They remain on the fence right now. The Av’s looking to shed salary are trying to talk Milan Hejduk into waiving his NTC. Pittsburgh is interested at the right price.
Sources tell Inside Pittsburgh Sports, Penguins general manager Ray Shero needed management’s “sign-off” to proceed after his target. They are up to something.
The Penguins focus is not only on a top 6 forward. The Penguins are active in adding some grit on their third/fourth line.
Pittsburgh has made offers for Ottawa‚Äôs Chris Neil and Colorado’s Ian Lapierre. The Penguins were told to increase their offer for Chris Neil. He is looking unlikely right now. Others being mentioned are Jamal Mayers. Pittsburgh has been in talks with the Leafs about Alex Panikarvosky and Mayers name has come up. Mayers salary is a concern though.
On the blueline, the Penguins wouldn‚Äôt mind adding a physical stay at home defenseman. Lower tier names being mentioned right now are Kings blueliner Denis Gauthier, Ottawa’s Christopher Schubert and Wild defenseman Martin Skoula. The Penguins are currently not in on Islanders defenseman Brendan Witt and Coyotes defenseman Derek Morris. Asking prices are too high.
Miroslav Satan was waived today. Vancouver, St. Louis, and Nashville have expressed some kind of interest. We will know at noon whether he was claimed or not.
Hal Gill, Max Talbot, and Ruslan Fedotenko receiving some interest. Talbot was very popular at last years trade deadline. Something watch for on Wednesday.
Less than 14 hours until the trade deadline. Live updates starting first thing in the morning.
