Penguins feel urgency to get some movement towards a new deal today with Pascal Dupuis

The Penguins have long felt that the chances of resigning Pascal Dupuis would diminish greatly if Dupuis got to July 3rd which is the 48 hour window prior to free agency where teams can talk to free agents. In line to receives offers in the 4 year range and in excess of $4 million per season, the Penguins don’t plan to compete with those type of offers that Dupuis and his camp expect to receive.

The Penguins went into the draft weekend with the hope of getting a breakthrough in talks with Dupuis and movement on a new deal before they left the draft.

Penguins GM Ray Shero and Dupuis agent Allan Walsh met for several hours this past Friday night and when the Penguins left New Jersey yesterday, there remained a gap on term and money between the two sides.

Sources say the Penguins feel the urgency to get some movement towards a new deal today and discussions are on going today between the Penguins and agent Allan Walsh. Indications are the Penguins have offered Dupuis a 3 year deal but it’s likely going to take four years to get a deal done.

Should the Penguins offer Dupuis the identical deal they gave Chris Kunitz? To this point they haven’t I’m told, but I believe they plan to. Still not sure three years gets it done.

*Word from the Matt Cooke camp late last night was that there hasn’t been any movement towards an agreement. Talks are on-going and agent Pat Morris planned to speak with GM Ray Shero today. Discussions remain on-going. Cooke has sought a three year deal.