Source: Penguins direct negotiations, face-to-face meetings with Letang have helped bridged differences as deadline looms

Sense of Optimism Inside Penguin Circles Emerging for the first time in Letang talks?

When Kent Hughes, the longtime agent of Kris Letang was named General Manager of the Montreal Canadiens, Letang’s file a few months ago was transferred over to agent Philippe Lecavalier.

The interesting dynamic with Letang negotiations since Hughes left for Montreal is that Letang has been negotiating his To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”! And the Penguins internally believe this has become beneficial to the process.

Hextall is widely looked at in the organization as dropping the ball To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”! there is starting to be a feeling around the league it will be a surprise if this doesn’t get done.

Early next week seems to be soft deadline where the Penguins are anticipating a decision as they want to pivot to a few other of their free agent forwards not named Evgeni Malkin.

MORE BUZZ

— NHL sources say Rickard Rakell’s agent To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

— Rick Tocchet was in line to get the Vegas Golden Knights job until Bruce Cassidy became available. Tocchet has been selective since leaving Arizona and some executives have said Tocchet’s asking price ($4 million) has been too high on the coaching market since last summer and that’s hurt him in a few spots. But, one thing for non-elite coaches is you don’t want to be on the sidelines too long. Tocchet is 58 years old and that’s surely at play whether Tocchet accepts the Winnipeg Jets offer or not as Winnipeg’s offer won’t be near the $3.5-$4 million asking price Tocchet has sought in the past.

**Keep an eye 👁 on ** While there is no concrete signed deal, sources tell me Rick Tocchet is the leading candidate at present time for the HC of the @NHLJets . The situation remains fluid, but I’m told it’s Tocchet’s decision to make . @espn @NHL #HockeyTwitter

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) July 1, 2022

— Penguins assistant Mike Vellucci was one of four coaches to receive two interviews To read this insider news, subscribe to get “Inside Access”!

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