Penguins/NHL
Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ray Shero and J.P. Barry, the agent for Sergei Gonchar held their first set of substantive talks Tuesday afternoon in Calgary.
Prior to breaking off talks in September, both sides agreed to pick up talks after the NHL GM meetings in December as the Penguins would have a general idea of the salary cap.
The meeting lasted over 90 minutes and the two sides will meet again in Pittsburgh during the weekend of January 30-31. J.P. Barry is expected to attend the Penguins – Red Wings game.
Penguins to propose offers of 2yrs & 3yrs?
I’m told no official offer was tendered to Gonchar but Pittsburgh is now focused on a three year extension, which has been seen as progress from Gonchar’s camp.
Baby steps were made…….
Pittsburgh is expected to propose their first official offer before the end of the month with talks expected to go into the Olympic break.
Three years is something that interests Gonchar very much I’m told. Pittsburgh, however, is not showing a willingness to go more than three years.
Now the difficult part starts for Ray Shero & Co. Finding a salary that works for both sides.
Gonchar is believed to be seeking deals of 3 years – $15 million and 4 years – $20 million.
If a true home-town discount was on the table, a deal would have been struck a while ago.
There has been speculation that Pittsburgh won’t go above $3.5 million. I hear that is false.
Pittsburgh which is in the middle of their scouting evaluations this week, are mulling going as high as $4.25 million per season on a three year extension and are willing to go $5 million per season {Gonchar’s current salary} on a two year deal.
Performance bonuses are not being discussed I’m told. Performance bonuses are only allowed for senior veteran players 35 or older that sign a one year deal.
Meanwhile, regarding Kris Letang, there has been “absolutely” no movement towards a new deal.
