Penguins/NHL
Pens Free Agency News
With 8 players set to become free agents on July 1, Pens’ management has begun the process of reaching out to respective agents.
The Penguins had a brief with the agent for defenseman Jordan Leopold this week. According to a league source, the two sides touched based earlier in the week but have yet to discuss “specifics” about a potential deal.
With free agency over 5 weeks away, there doesn’t appear to be any kind of rush from either side. The two sides have agreed to talk again in the next few weeks.
The Penguins are believed to have an interest in retaining Leopold and depth defenseman Steve Wagner who are both represented by agent Ben Hankinson.
Leopold, 28, made a salary of $1.75 million in 2009-2010.
More Pens free agency buzz
- Defenseman Jay McKee has full intentions of seeking a top-6 role in free agency and is unlikely to have much interest in returning. McKee handled his demotion after the Leopold acquisition with class and would be a good guy to keep around at the right price.
- However, the chances are slim that he will return. According to a source close to McKee, there has been no contact from the Penguins to this point.
- According to a league source, Kurt Overhardt the agent for John Curry is seeking a trade to another organization for his client. Once considered the long-term backup to Marc Andre Fleury, Curry has fallen behind Brent Johnson and Brad Theissen on the depth chart and is now the backup in Wilkes Barre.
- Even if there is a suitor for Curry, a trade isn’t likely until draft weekend.
