Faceoff Factor

Penguins News & Notes

Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins

Jun 20, 01:17 PM | Hype this story!

Many rumors are floating around as the draft inches closer — plenty of them
are linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins. But team general manager Ray Shero has
made enough concrete moves to keep fans satisfied.

James Signs First NHL Contract
Connor James spent the previous season as a role-player for the
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. As a reward for his hard work, the Pittsburgh
Penguins signed him to a one-year, two-way contract.

The 24-year-old right winger had 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 last season. He
likely will spend the entire season in the AHL.

Scouting Staff Changes Slightly
Dan MacKinnon has been promoted from pro scout to director of professional
scouting, while pro scout Bill O’Flaherty has moved on, accepting a position to
become director of professional scouting for the Florida Panthers.

The remainder of the scouting staff has been re-signed to a one year contract
that will expire at the end of the 2007-08 season.

Recchi & Roberts Negotiations To Resume
Penguins general manager Ray Shero will resume talks this weekend with the agent
of Mark Recchi and Gary Roberts.  Both players have received contract
offers, though terms of those contracts have not been divulged.

The veteran forwards will become unrestricted free agents on July 1 if they
fail to sign.  The Ottawa Senators reportedly are extremely interested in
Roberts, while the Philadelphia Flyers have been discussed as a possible
destination for Recchi.

Goligoski Remains Undecided
After a team meeting with defensive prospect Alex Goligoski, the Pittsburgh
Penguins reportedly are closer to knowing if the Minnesota Gopher will turn pro
for the 2007-08 season.

Word out of Minnesota is that the first-team All-American will have his
decision in the next few weeks.  If he decides to sign with the Penguins,
he likely will spend at least one year playing for the team’s AHL affiliate in
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.