Sources: Penguins haven’t closed the door on Guerin returning

Guerin remains an option after other targets

Any talk the Pittsburgh Penguins have closed the door on re-signing 39 year old forward Billy Guerin is premature, according to multiple team sources, Sunday evening.

Inside Pittsburgh Sports has learned, Pens GM Ray Shero has not informed Guerin or agent Bob Murray, that the Penguins are no longer interested in bringing the veteran back.

However, I’m told the Penguins have informed Guerin’s camp they are waiting for the market to play out before deciding to push forward in talks with Guerin’s agent Bob Murray.

Members of the Penguins front office and coaching staff are regarded as being torn on Guerin coming back.

There are strong indications that Guerin is a 3rd or 4th option right now as the team continues to monitor the the market for wingers Maxim Afinogenov, Raffi Torres and third line center Brendan Morrison who the team has held discussions with of late.

The Penguins have remained in contact with Don Meehan the agent for Maxim Afinogenov and Steve Reich the agent for Raffi Torres.

The team has not made an offer to either player.

Although there is believed to be some intrigue in playing for Pittsburgh, Afinogenov is considered a longshot to take a below market deal and sign with Pittsburgh. The Penguins though are doing their due diligence

Meanwhile, the team remains intrigued at the possibility that Alexei Ponikarovsky could still return but the organization is not holding out much hope.

Despite not receiving one offer, Rick Curran, the agent for Ponikarovsky has been adamant in the multiple conversations I’ve had with him that Pittsburgh is not a realistic option from their end. They were turned off weeks ago at the thought of returning at a one year salary in the low $1 million range.

To this point there hasn’t been a change of heart from Curran and Ponikarovsky.

As for Bill Guerin, word out of Guerin’s camp is that there’s no hard feelings towards Pittsburgh. Indications are both sides have been truthful with each other throughout the process and Guerin remains hopeful that things will workout in the end.

Guerin has drawn interest from the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning but has yet to receive a firm offer.