Update On Hossa, Jagr And More
Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins
Jul 2, 11:05 AM | Hype this story!
As was expected heading into free agency, Pittsburgh penguins general manager Ray Shero has taken a hard-line approach to negotiating with free agents.
According to Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Shero has not increased his offer to superstar winger Marian Hossa, who apparently has received offers in the $9 to $10 million range.
Teams rumored to be in the hunt for the Slovak’s services include the Penguins, New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens, though it is believed one or several would have to make salary cap room via trade in order to add Hossa.
Lyle Richardson of Spector’s Hockey had the following to say this morning:
“I think it’s now safe to say Hossa won’t be returning with the Penguins. Anyone who signs him for $9 million over 9 years is going to have a significant cap headache on the hands in a few years time.”
Richardson generally is dead-on with his analysis.
Larry Brooks, of the New York Post, however, is a little less trustworthy.
He wrote: “Jagr laughed when asked about whispers from the underground that the Penguins will invite him back to finish where he began.”
Defenseman Brooks Orpik, though, seems to want to stay in Pittsburgh.
“He attracted plenty of interest around the NHL during his first day of free agency, too, but he hasn’t ruled out re-signing with the Penguins,” wrote Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“Indications are that staying remains Orpik’s preference, although his decision ultimately might hinge on how close the Penguins are willing to come to offers he receives from elsewhere.”
He added that, at this point, it is believed Shero’s efforts are focused on retaining Orpik.
His competition became a bit easier, as the Buffalo Sabres apparently are no longer seeking his services.
In other tidbits:
A contract extension is expected to be announced between the Penguins and forward Evgeni Malkin. Supposedly, it will mirror Sidney Crosby’s five-year contract worth an average of $8.7 million per season.
Jarkko Ruutu remains one of the Penguins’ primary focuses at this point, and there is little word on Jeff Taffe’s status.
Contrary to popular belief a few weeks back, former Penguins defenseman Josef Melichar is not on Shero’s radar.
Comments
Pens1967
Jul 2, 11:12 AM
I continue to be non-plussed about the ongoing rumors saying Edmonton is a player for Hossa. They have 4M cap space. Hello???
Are the Oilers not subject to the NHL salary cap? Which player or players is Edmonton going to trade (for draft choices because another current player puts them over the cap)?
Aaarrrrggghhhh!!!
Matt Bodenschatz
Jul 2, 11:21 AM
I hear Melichar signed with Carolina.
Fancy Pants
Jul 2, 12:16 PM
The NHL CBA allows for a team to be over the cap by 10% until the start of the season. So that is why Edmonton could offer Hossa that deal, although that would mean they would need to dump (via trade) some serious players from their roster, like Horcoff and a few others.
Brad
Jul 2, 01:03 PM
hossa to the wings for 1 year at 7.4 million.
Pens1967
Jul 2, 01:58 PM
It looks like the strategy is to try and win a Cup and then go for the biggest dollars he can next year as a UFA. It’s a bigger loss for him than it is for us.
Pens1967
Jul 2, 03:47 PM
One last comment, Hossa saying he had a better chance to win with Detroit is a real slap at Pittsburgh and Sid and Gino and all the rest of the young guys. I’d bet Sid will use this for even more motivation next year.
Pens1967
Jul 2, 10:17 PM
What is the latest on Jagr? I read a rumor that the Rangers have given up/opted not to re-sign him.
I’d love for Jags to come back and finish his career in the Burgh the way he started.
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