Penguins/NHL
Hearing Penguins scouts do not believe Zach Budish will be around when the Penguins select at #30. Budish is getting serious consideration by the St. Louis Blues at #17, Flames (20) and the Flyers (21).
Budish is at the top of the Penguins radar as there is some thought he could slip to the 2nd round.
*Pittsburgh wants to go winger at #30 but some of their top targets on the wings may not be around. They will go with the best value, regardless of position.
*Pittsburgh recently met with draft prospect/winger Jeremy Morin (USDP – 18). Considered one of the better offensive players in the draft, there have been some concerns with some off-ice issues but nothing serious.
*I’m told there is no chance that the Penguins trade the rights of Rob Scuderi this weekend.
Pittsburgh has received two inquiries
from the LA Kings and the New York Islanders.
There will be discussions this week at the draft between Stephen Barlett and Ray Shero.
Indications are Scuderi will test free agency and see what’s out there.
Pittsburgh is hopeful that Scuderi’s market value will only be in the range of $2.5 million and then Pittsburgh would make an offer in the $1.8-$2 million range.
The Scuderi situation is not similar to Brooks Orpik because Orpik’s value was known that it would be in the range of $3.75 million – $4.25 million.
Teams officials are not optimistic that Scuderi will be returning.
More Penguins Rumors
It will likely be another quiet day for the Penguins. They are not closing in on any deals.
A deal for Mike Zigomanis should be finalized by Monday according to a team source.
There has been no movement on the Bill Guerin front. I can’t confirm that the Penguins have made a one year offer worth $2.65 million but that’s the rumor going around.
This may drag out until Tuesday night, although Guerin’s intentions are expected to be known by the weekend.
*Pittsburgh has reached out to Craig Adams Reps. If he wants to return, it will have to be around the same salary but there is interest from Pittsburgh’s end.
Nothing new on Ruslan Fedotenko. Allan Walsh the agent for Fedotenko will meet with Shero this evening in Montreal and an official offer is expected to be made by Thursday morning.
Will have some info on Fedotenko by Thursday afternoon.
