Source: Dupuis, agent initially went into talks eyeing $5 million per season; Pens, Cooke engaged in talks on new deal

Talks in league circles of Pascal Dupuis possibly being in line for a 4 year deal in free agency in the range of $18 – $2o million has made discussions challenging for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

A team source says finding middle ground has been difficult, though when you’re dealing with a player who sincerely wants to be here, you keep chipping away and that’s what the Penguins are doing.

Dupuis agent Allan Walsh has tried to make the argument that Dupuis is worth $5 million per season, Inside Pittsburgh Sports has learned.

No deal was imminent as of Monday and the Penguins believe by the weekend it’s going to be clear whether Dupuis will be hitting the open market or not.

The Penguins acquisition of Harry Zolnierczyk wasn’t for the reason of finding a cheaper replacement for Matt Cooke. The Penguins and Cooke are engaged in talks on a two year deal but there is a gap between the two sides, an NHL source said. Cooke carried a $1.8 million cap hit last season but made $1.25 million.

Indications are Cooke prefers a three year deal while the Penguins appear only interested in a two year deal in the $1.25 million ballpark of what Cooke made last season, due to their cap situation. No official offer has been made yet but numbers have been discussed between the two sides. There’s a gap to be bridged between the two sides on term and money right now but there is clear mutual interest to strike a deal.

The Pittsburgh Penguins intend to make a $2 million qualifying offer to Tyler Kennedy, though they haven’t officially made the tender yet. Pittsburgh see’s Kennedy as an asset and feel not having a training camp hurt him last season. Is he worth $2 million? For a role player who’s inconsistent at even strength, not a top power play guy and doesn’t play on the penalty kill, you can make a good argument he’s not.