Over at Puck Rakers, a Blue Jackets blog at the Columbus Dispatch, Aaron Portzline is reporting that the Pittsburgh Penguins have made a 7-year, $50 million contract offer to keep unrestricted free agent in the fold.
If a Blue Jackets blog seems to be an odd place to serve as a source for Penguins news, think again. Reportedly, if Hossa does sign, the Penguins would immediately deal the negotiating rights to unrestricted free agent Ryan Malone to the Blue Jakcets. As you might expect, with Hossa demanding that much coin, keeping Malone, as tough as he might be, becomes something of a luxury. With Minnesota reportedly considering Malone, the Blue Jackets seem ready to part with a player or a pick in order to have an exclusive negotiating window with Malone before the free agent signing period begins July 1.
Something tells me that Pittsburgh GM has decided that the Penguins have a short window to shoot at a title and he might as well take advantage of it now. Though one has to wonder: If Hossa is worth more than $7 million per season, what will Evgeni Malkin demand at the end of next season, and how in the world can Pittsburgh stay competitive with three players accounting for somewhere around $25 million in cap space per season?
Another interesting rumor from Portzline: The BJs are also reportedly interested in Sharks captain Patrick Marleau, who has been ticketed out of town for salary cap considerations.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-14-2008 @ 7:14PM
Freeptop said...
Before you start making assumptions about Malkin and what he'll demand and when, you may want to consider what he has stated only a couple days ago:
'"I'm thinking maybe five or six years," said Malkin, set to enter the final season of his three-year entry-level deal. "I'm an easy guy to deal with. I'd love to stay in Pittsburgh."
The NHL's collective bargaining agreement forbids the Penguins from signing Malkin to an extension until July 1. Malkin said he expects the extension will be signed "soon" after that date.
Malkin added that his annual salary did not need to top the $8.7 million teammate and Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will average each of the next five seasons.'
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_572532.html?source=rss&feed=8
The Pens also expect to get a long-term deal signed with Fleury soon, and they've already got Whitney signed for 5 more years.
How will the Pens remain competitive? I think having their best players locked up in long-term contracts ought to help in that regard.
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6-14-2008 @ 7:33PM
Craigo said...
In addition, the cap will be raised soon if not this year. Shero may be gambling on that, but he needn't roll a hard six to win this.
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6-15-2008 @ 12:34AM
Mr. Plank said...
Good for the Pens now, but you raise an interesting point- with all that salary locked up in Crosby, and then Malkin and Hossa theoretically how are they going to be able to keep Fleury and fill out a competitive roster? Should be interesting.
In regards to the Patty deal, my gut tells me he's going to stick around after the hiring of McLellan. Marleau struggled under Wilson due to some personal issues, and a new coach means he's going to have a stellar year. I'm thinking 80 points plus is a good bet.
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6-17-2008 @ 11:13AM
bill said...
penguins
"3 players $25 million"?
and throw in fleury in that case to make 4 as he will get a big deal by july 1 as well
no way in the world can they afford hossa as well
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