Senators looking ahead to Draft … Gonchar is key piece to Penguins off-season

Mark Easson

14 years ago

Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators are preparing for the NHL Draft and Bryan Murray has said, “Ideally, if we could get a skilled centre, that’d be great. If we can’t, then it’s the best player available.” The Sens are picking at #16, and feel there is a drop off after #20-21, according to their lists. They traded away the two 2nd round picks they had for Matt Cullen and Andy Sutton. The Sens contract talks with UFAs Volchenkov, Cullen, and Sutton haven’t progressed that much. Murray’s top priorities are to sign RFAs: Regin, Foligno and Campoli. They are close to signing their 2004 5th round selection, RWerRoman Wick of Switzerland.

Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: It’s more and more unlikely that Sergei Gonchar will not be back with the Penguins if he’s wanting $5 million or more. Despite Kris Letang’s solid play, and extension he signed during the season, the Pens may not see him as a replacement for the the #1 spot Gonchar occupied. The Penguins need to find a stay-at-home defenseman that can be used to shut down their oppositions number one line. They also need to improve on the wings. The 32-year old Matt Cook is looking for a 3 year deal, which he might not get from Pittsburgh.

Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The 36-year old Sergei Gonchar is probably looking at his last NHL contract, and even though he loves playing in Pittsburgh, he knows he could have played his last game in Penguins jersey. “It’s not about the length of it,” Gonchar said. “It’s going to be a little bit about everything. I want to be happy. This is a place I was happy the last five years … but at the same time you do have to work and both sides have to be fair. When I’m going to look at my contract, it’s the last one, so I’m going to weigh in everything.”

Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Last night could have been the last game in Bruins jersey for 5 free agents: Steve Begin, Mark Recchi, Miroslav Satan, Shawn Thornton, and Trent Whitfield. The 42-year old Mark Recchi could be back if he decides not to retire.

Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Trivia question: Who’s Martin Brodeur backup? He’s a UFA and has been no indicaton if he’ll be back next, though Lou Lamoriello say he was happy with everything he did this past season, and his attitude. He’d love to re-sign with the Devils.. Answer, Yann Danis.