Penguins/NHL
2 year deal close?
The Pittsburgh Penguins are confident that they will have Tyler Kennedy locked up to a new deal before Kennedy becomes an unrestricted free agent at 12:00 p.m. on Friday.
GM Ray Shero told the Tribune-Review that the two sides are down to “short strokes.” “Hopefully we can find something by tomorrow, whether it’s a one-, two- or three-year deal that makes sense. “That’s what we’re trying to do now, ” Shero said.
Indications late Wednesday night was that the two sides were making progress on a two year deal and such a deal is still considered the most likely scenario and something Kennedy’s camp has been open to.
The Penguins are expecting to hear back from Kennedy’s camp early Friday morning.
The Penguins believe Kennedy’s interest in returning is genuine and that the agent (whose not known for this) is just keeping them around as a fallback option for when Kennedy hits the open market.
Reps for Talbot, Rupp expect several suitors
Forwards Max Talbot and Mike Rupp will hit the open market on July 1. Reps for both players are expecting several teams to be chasing their clients and the belief is that both players could be off the market within hours.
Executives around the league indicate it will be a shock if Talbot doesn’t come out of free agency with a four year deal worth $2 million per season.
Just a few teams expected to be in hot pursuit of Talbot include Toronto, Columbus, San Jose, Chicago, Tampa Bay and Florida.
Rupp’s agent Allan Walsh believes Rupp will command around $1.5 million per season on possibly a three year deal.
Philadelphia and Toronto and expected to be among the heavy suitors.
Rupp leaving Pittsburgh has been seen as a surprise by those with close ties to him. His family has made Pittsburgh their home and have told close associates that they intend to live in the area long-term and raise their kids, even if Rupp signs elsewhere.
Rupp rejected a two year deal on Wednesday, which led to the Penguins intensifying their efforts to resign Arron Asham.
