Source: Penguins intend to offer Cooke a three year deal

The Latest buzz coming out of the NHL Scouting Combine

Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero is in Toronto for the NHL scouting combine and while all Shero has done is touch base with Matt Cooke’s representives thus far, a high ranking official tells me the Penguins have full intentions of offering Cooke a three year contract in attempt to keep Cooke in Pittsburgh.

Cooke, 31, had 15 goals and 30 points including a plus-17 rating for the Penguins in 2009-2010.

Cooke has been a bargain at a salary of $1.2 million and some NHL executives believe he could land a multi-year contract in the $2.5 million per season range.

Cooke’s desire is to remain in Pittsburgh and based on a few talks with his camp, it appears unlikely that he will settle for another two year contract.

Cooke is looking for stability and possibly a no trade clause.

A Pens official has thrown around $1.75 million per season as a number the Penguins could be willing to go. I get the sense that Pittsburgh is unlikely to go above $1.5-$1.75 million per season.

Official talks are set to begin next Thursday.