Some notes on D Sergei Gonchar’s deal with Ottawa Senators:
— The Penguins never offered a three-year deal, and I’m told they didn’t offer a raise on his previous $5 million annual salary.
— Team management awoke today expecting to lose Gonchar. Hopeful he’d return, but not at all optimistic.
— No-trade clause wasn’t on the table, either.
— Penguins are talking with reps for several Ds, and one who could help replace Gonchar is Kurtis Foster (Tampa Bay). Also in mix are Paul Martin and Zbynek Michalek, whose name I might mangle throughout the day on quick-hitting blog posts. Due apologies in advance.
— Pens don’t believe they are out of the hunt for Dan Hamhuis, and not by a long shot.
— Said one Pens player via text after Gonchar’s loss: “We better get Hamhuis.”
— Said a former teammate of Gonchar’s in Pittsburgh: “He was more a part of our turnaround than anybody outside the organization realized.”
I like Michalek, but it seems like a reaction signing with Gonchar leaving. How much did Hamhuis want than? There is no chance we sign them both now and we lose that 3rd rounder for nothing.
Rob, what’s with the foot dragging on reporting the martin deal? Was confirmed a half an hour ago.
Gogo an Letang are really going to have to step it up now. 4M for Michalek, I hope that price is worth it as his stats as far as I’ve seen do not look that convincing.
Pens still need wings for Malkin and Crosby and only roughly 7M left? Not sure how they are going to fill Fed’s and Poni’s spots with anything of quality at that price.
How can we not sign hamhuis? gonchar wanted 5 million, we just signed Michalek at 4 million. the original plan was to sign both Gonchar and Hamhuis under the cap. Now we freed up an extra million, landed a guy who is 8 years younger and lets face it, Gonchar was not very consistent last year defensively. We all know what he brings on the PP but Gogo and Letang deserve a shot.
steelcity-the reason is they are similiar players with Michalek and Hamhuis.