Penguins/NHL
Shero listening to offers for potential UFA’s: According to a source
“ Ray Shero is takiing offers for pending free agents Petr Sykora, Miroslav Satan, Ruslan Fedotenko, Hal Gill and Rob Scuderi. He is getting a lot of interest and will have to make the decision on which way to go come deadline.”
Agent Allan Walsh who represents Petr Sykora, Ruslan Fedotenko and Miroslav Satan, met with Ray Shero a few weeks ago to discuss the future of his three clients. Earlier this month the Penguins and Walsh began discussions on a long-term deal with Petr Sykora. No such discussions are going to happen with Fedotenko or Satan prior to the trade deadline. Penguins have some interest in retaining Fedotenko
Walsh and Sykora are waiting for the Penguins to make a three year offer, which is what Sykora is seeking.
Sykora and Scuderi being moved is very unlikely but my source indicates Shero is not hanging up the phone when teams come calling about both players. That is kind of interesting but based on everything I’ve been told, Sykora is absolutely staying unless the Penguins drop 3 of 4 prior to the deadline and receive an offer they can’t refuse.
Pittsburgh/Tampa Bay Update: As noted on many occasions, over the past month Shero had several discussions with Tampa and a deal was on the table for Marty St Louis, Tampa wants more than Shero is willing to offer and Brian Lawton has broken off talks. Maybe something gives between now and the trade deadline, but don’t count on it.
No Milan Hejduk who won’t waive his NTC and likely no Marty St. Louis. Two players the Penguins were in on since January.
Brian Lawton has frustrated a lot of General Managers around the league with the way he has handled discussions about Marty St. Louis
Tidbits
Going to be a very interesting morning skate on Wednesday. There were a lot of signs in watching drills the past two practices that Ryan Whitney could be the odd-man out. I will have a report on the lineup sometime in between 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
A Source believes Mario Lemieux is looking to get more involved in the day-to-day operations.
A lot of heat on Ray Shero right now. I just hope he doesn’t get desperate and over-pay for a guy like Nik Antropov ( I don’t think he will).
Penguins monitoring the market for Eric Cole. He is clearly not at the top of their wishlist. Edmonton has shown interest in Hal Gill and Ruslan Fedotenko.
The Penguins have not held any talks with the Blues about Keith Tkachuk to this point.
Edmonton, Minnesota, Calgary have been engaged in talks with the Penguins about Hal Gill
Minnesota has also been looking at a few others believed to be Rob Scuderi and Ruslan Fedotenko
Update later tonight on Derek Morris and the Av’s.
