[SelanneGirl]

Quote

The Penguins and defenseman Sergei Gonchar aren't close on a contract extension, and talks between general manager Ray Shero and agent JP Barry won't resume until after the season.

Barry said Sunday he met with Shero in Vancouver, British Columbia, during the Olympics, and "offers that would be acceptable to us over two different terms" were provided to the Penguins.

"Ray explained ... they are not in a position to counter at this juncture," Barry said. "We both agreed that it is again time to focus on the performance of the team. Sergei does not want his contractual status to be any kind of distraction as the team tries to defend the Cup.

"Our negotiations will thus be put on hiatus until the end of the season."

Gonchar, 35, is in the final year of a deal that counts $5 million against the salary cap. He can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

The Penguins have only two NHL defensemen under contract for next season.

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How do you feel about this? Do you think the Penguins should try to get Gonchar signed before the end of this season?

[JoeyHurricane]

In that case do not be surprised if a Gonchar trade becomes even a touch of a thought. Some rumor scuttlebutt suggests that the Gonchar camp offered 3 year $15 million and 4 year $18.25 million. I am hesitant to give another 5 million per for 3 years, and dont personally like the idea of a 4 year deal. Obviously there is no hint of a 'hometown discount' going on here. Can you really justify 4.25-5 per year for someone that is in fact aging no matter how great his play still is couple with a decent pinch of injury proneness? He could probably fetch more on the open market, in the form of overpayment of course.