Could Penguins Be Involved In Meszaros Offer Sheet?
Matt Bodenschatz | National Hockey League
Aug 29, 02:22 PM | Hype this story!
Yesterday I wrote about a report which claimed Ottawa Senators defenseman Andrej Meszaros signed an offer sheet with an undisclosed team.
Rumors have since floated around listing potential suitors, which include the Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, and, of course, the Tampa Bay Lightning.
This morning, Lightning rumors essentially were debunked, as compensation for a $5 million offer sheet is three draft picks, and the Lightning dealt their third rounder to the Pittsburgh Penguins for forwards Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts earlier this summer.
Now, Kevin Lee is reporting that he has all-but-confirmed that the Lightning have re-acquired their third rounder from the Penguins in exchange for an undisclosed return.
This would go along with an Ottawa Sun report that Meszaros has not yet signed an offer sheet, but is waiting for the opportunity from a specific team.
Earlier this summer, word broke that Lightning management was displeased with forward Jussi Jokinen, and rumors circulated that he may be a target of the Penguins. If, in fact, Lee’s report that the Lightning have re-acquired their third round pick is true, it seems logical that Jokinen may be the return.
Update: 7:00 p.m.
The Hockey News is reporting that the Tampa Bay Lightning have, in fact, contacted the Pittsburgh Penguins regarding the possible re-acquisition of their third round pick, but Penguins general manager Ray Shero is not co-operating.
“...Lightning management has been completely rebuffed by Pens GM Ray Shero, who does not wish to be even remotely associated with an RFA offer sheet.”
So it would appear that the Penguins no longer are in the mix, which also puts an end to the offer sheet theory — at least regarding Tampa Bay.
The Lightning, however, apparently remain extremely interested in Meszaros and are attempting to work out a trade to acquire him from the Ottawa Senators.
Comments
Ray
Aug 29, 02:55 PM
So, what is the “book” on Jokinen besides his shootout “expertise?” Does he have potential as a 1st or 2nd line winger for Sid/Gino?
Justin Maffei
Aug 29, 03:08 PM
Ray, Reading a scouting report at http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/players/Jussi_Jokinen, certain words and phrases stick out. These include “rarely makes mistakes,” “oozes offensive potential,” “sound positional forward,” but also “can be intimidated” and “soft.” They see him as a “top six forward. I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing the Pens take a risk like this. It’s a low-risk, high-reward type of move.
THEONEANDONLYSURGE
Aug 29, 03:22 PM
The problem I see with this is the Pens don’t have the room to fit him under the cap. They would have to move .5m to accomodate his 1.812m cap hit. As for him playing with Sid or Geno, I don’t know how he would perform but I wouldn’t mind seeing it.
Matt Bodenschatz
Aug 29, 03:47 PM
Ray, I think if he is the one brought in — and keep in mind that this is far from certain, as rumors now mention a 2010 second round draft pick as a possible return — Jokinen would be given the opportunity, like Dupuis, Fedotenko, Pesonen, Staal, and several others, to compete for a top-two line role.
Justin, I agree that he is low risk and high reward, as he seems to have plenty of skill, but hasn’t been able to put it all together.
Surge, at this point, salary isn’t an issue, as it can easily be shed by demoting a player to the AHL, making a minor trade, etc. Maybe it’s possible that, if he is brought in, the Penguins then will shuffle another forward in a trade in attempt to add some additional muscle? Just a thought.
I think the big thing with this is that adding depth always is a good idea, as we saw last year with Taffe and Conklin playing significant roles in the NHL, despite starting in the AHL. Not only is depth a good idea for injury purposes, but it also breeds competition and makes all players push a little harder to earn a spot.
Alex Kirshner
Aug 29, 07:46 PM
If Jokinen becomes a Pen, all for a draft pick, I will be THRILLED! Let’s hope it happens.
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