Penguins/NHL
The Latest Penguins Buzz
*Winger Max Talbot (groin) took a step towards returning to the lineup, participating in a full practice for the first time in over 3 weeks. Talbot skated well but how he reacts after a hard skate, will determine his status next week. It’s a bit early to call him a lock to play Tuesday night.
*Ruslan Fedotenko did not practice and was not at the facility today. Head coach Dan Bylsma claimed that Ruslan Fedotenko suffered a lower body injury in Thursday practice but that remains to be seen.
Although a deal is not close to being finalized, Fedotenko has been highly involved in trade talks with the Nashville Predators and two other Western Conference teams I’m told.
*Sources tell me there’s some buzz coming out of the olympics that the agent for Steve Ott believes his client will be traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Washington Capitals prior to March 3rd’s trade deadline.
That may be wishful thinking from Ott’s camp and likely is pertaining to Pittsburgh but a team source has confirmed Pittsburgh’s interest, indicating he’s been a target of the Penguins scouting staff behind Raffi Torres.
Ott, 27, scored 19 goals last season and management is looking to get tougher to play against. The Penguins were scouting the Stars heavily prior to the Olympic break.
The Dallas Stars are actively shopping Ott around to Eastern Conference teams.
Ott’s one of a few options the Penguins are exploring as the Penguins are not high on the current winger market.
*Barring a breakthrough in trade talks this weekend with the Nashville Predators for defenseman Dan Hamhuis, I’m told not to expected an addition on the Penguins blueline that would be a serious threat to the Penguins top-6.
Pittsburgh is among several teams expressing interest in Andy Sutton but the Islanders asking price at this time is too steep.
Much more to come over the weekend as the trade freeze ends Sunday night.
