Quick Update on Sergei Gonchar talks. Wish I had some breaking news or some news that a new deal was close but Penguins general manager Ray Shero and J.P. Barry, the agent for Sergei Gonchar are scheduled to meet tomorrow morning in Vancouver, sources tell me.
A top priority for Pittsburgh during the break is to make some progress on a new deal and these talks could very well tell the story if Gonchar will be a Penguin next season and beyond.
The Penguins are prepared to break their normal standard and negotiate past the March 3rd trade deadline.
Talks have picked up since mid-January but as amazing as this may sound, Pittsburgh has yet to make an official offer, despite having the ability to negotiate with Gonchar since July 1st, 2009.
Word from both sides is that an offical offer is expected by the weekend.

Gonchar, 35, will turn 36 in April and is in the final year of a five year deal worth $25 million.
A sticking point in talks up to this point has been the term of the contract as Pittsburgh is prepared to offer upwards of $4 million per season.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailPens’ meet with Leopold’s agent but negotiations still on hold Default ThumbnailShero to meet with Gonchar’s agent on Friday Default ThumbnailMorning Pens Buzz: Doan speaks; Rep for Malkin, Gonchar exploring Europe options as package deal; Entire medical team ousted Default ThumbnailShero to meet with Fedotenko before the Draft in Montreal