- Josh Yohe of DK On Pittsburgh Sports: Blackhawks pending RFA Brandon Saad is from Pittsburgh. Would the Penguins try to sign him to an offer sheet? Penguins GM Jim Rutherford can’t comment on Saad or any other RFAs because of the tampering rules, but he did say:
“Let me say this about restricted free agents out there: We’ll always play within the rules,” Rutherford said. “If there is a situation that comes up, we’ll think about it. As long as it’s OK under the CBA, if there’s a player out there that we think can make us better, we won’t be afraid to consider making an offer.”
Offer sheets are rare, but Rutherford has tried before. Back in February of 1998, he signed Sergei Fedorov to a six-year, $38 million offer sheet. The Hurricanes would have had to give up five first round picks. The NHL originally rejected it, but later decided it was legit – the Red Wings obviously matched it.
Shouldn’t be a surprise if Brandon Sutter, Chris Kunitz and Rob Scuderi are playing elsewhere next season. Scuderi will likely either be traded or bought out.
The Penguins still like Kunitz despite him losing a step, but if they can move his cap number, they’ll consider it.
Rutherford thinks that Brandon Sutter could land the Penguins a top-six winger.
The Penguins want to get younger and more skilled. Likely won’t sign any physical players that don’t have some skill.
Don’t expect Daniel Winnik back.
Contract talks with Ian Cole are underway.
- Jason Mackey: If pending UFAs Max Lapierre, Paul Martin and Christian Ehrhoff are leaving the Penguins, it’s not because the Penguins are shutting the door on them. GM Jim Rutherford said that nothing is final.