Penguins/NHL
With a reluctance to actively listen to offers for Jordan Staal, Penguins defenseman Ryan Whitney is believed to be the Penguins biggest asset in their attempt to acquire a top line winger. With Four years Р$16 million remaining on his contract, and only 1 goal in 22 games to go along with a -12 plus/minus rating, Whitney’s value has never been lower.
Is the market so low for Whitney that the best offer the Penguins have received for him is Maxim Afinogenov and a 3rd round pick?
Teams that have made offers
Buffalo SabresA well placed source indicates the Buffalo Sabres are the only team to make an offer for Ryan Whitney.
The offer ( Maxim Afinogenov/3rd round pick) is nothing that intrigues Pittsburgh.
Indications are the Sabres will not give up a first round pick for Whitney and they don’t have a second round pick in 09 & 2010. The lack of high draft picks hurts a potential trade.
Pittsburgh is high on Alex Kotalik and has looked at center Tim Connolly who the Sabres are dangling. Kotalik is not believed to be available.
Teams are offering low right now as Whitney is struggling and the Penguins are desperate for a winger.
Per the Buffalo News: “Sabres GM Darcy Regier is approaching the March trade deadline cautiously optimistic about acquiring a significant asset.”
Other teams showing some kind of interest but have not made an offer.
Tampa Bay, Colorado, Dallas, Columbus, Ottawa, LA Kings
Sleeper team: Montreal – Been scouting Pittsburgh have had internal discussions about Whitney.
If the market does not improve for Whitney over the next couple weeks, then the Penguins will have to move to plan B. Offering expiring contracts/draft picks for help upfront.
Other tidbits
The Penguins will not practice today and the players have been giving a off-day.
Ruslan Fedotenko has received clearance to return to the lineup. He will be a game-time decision on Wednesday.
Sergei Gonchar is less than 10 days away from returning.
The Red Wings signed Ty Conklin to a one year deal at $750k in the summer. Management showing too much faith in Dany Sabourin during the off-season has backfired on them.
A lot of discussion going on right now whether the Penguins rushed to sign Marc Andre Fleury to a 7 year – $35 million contract. Thoughts?
When Sidney Crosby has to go up against the Detroit Red Wings with Pascal Dupuis and Tyler Kennedy on his wings, it should have Ray Shero working the phones 24/7 to find some help.
