Pens Potentially Lose Two
June 21st, 2008 by Jason ChenTSN reports that Marian Hossa, who will now be the most sought-after forward in this year’s market, will not re-sign with the Pens before July 1st. The 29-year old right winger is coming off an impressive playoff run that no doubt see his stock rise. The Pens must be really kicking themselves right now, after notifying Ryan Malone that he was unlikely to come back, focused their attention on Hossa, but only to be unexpectedly spurned. The rumoured offer was a 7-year, $50 million deal, although Ray Shero has denied those reports, but even for Hossa it’s hard to turn down that deal, if it indeed was offered.
Now the Pens are in a rut, and could potentially lose both prized wingers via free agency. Either way, only one will be back, and it remains to be seen which one. The Pens were adamant about not giving Malone a cent over $3m/year, and the trade rumours didn’t exactly help the Pens get on Malone’s good side either. It is very unlikely he’ll be back with the Pens next year. Hossa will no doubt listen to a plethora of offers he will get, but will most likely give the Pens a last chance to exceed or meet the best offer. It’s now a little more uncertain where Hossa will end up, with possible destinations being Montreal, Boston, Detroit, or Manhattan.
The Pens face an uncertain summer, but one thing’s for sure: Sidney Crosby isn’t too pleased.
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7 Responses to “Pens Potentially Lose Two”
By thewordbird on Jun 21, 2008
I have an uncanny feeling that the Jackets would jump on Hossa. Scott Howson has impressed me lately and this would make sense.
By Jason C on Jun 21, 2008
If the Jackets do get Hossa then it would dispel rumours of Hainsey and Marleau back to Columbus. If they commit to Hossa at $7.5m/year, their cap hit would be roughly $33m, with Umberger, Fritsche, and Leclaire to sign.
I think the Jackets would be a longshot for Hossa though, considering their lack of success in the pass. I think he’d prefer to sign with a team that has a very realistic chance of winning the Cup.
By Troy on Jun 22, 2008
Really, I think Montreal, if they can sign Sundin, would be unable to sign Hossa. I mean, Andrei Kostitsyn along with Streit, Gorges, and Halak (all with pay raises needed). With a projected cap of 56 mil in the NHL next year, and the Canadiens at 40,324,466 mil now, and expecting Sundin to sign at, eh, 7 mil (now 47 million), it’s hard to see Hossa being affordable if Kostitsyn, Streit, Gorges, and Halak all get re-upped (Kostitsyn will want a lot too). Remains to be seen.
Honestly (gulp), the Bruins are in best position, as they have no key impending free agents, and they’d be in better position if they could get Glen Murray off the books.
By Jason C on Jun 22, 2008
The Habs can afford both Sundin and Hossa if they cut loose all of their RFAs. Should the Habs sign Sundin before July 1st, the rumoured player to head to Toronto as compensation is Chris Higgins, and his salary will create some room too.
I think Boston has a good chance of signing him - Hossa will have a chance to play with one of the league’s premier playmakers in Savard and young forwards in Bergeron. However, I think the Bruins are much more interested in bolstering their blueline with Redden at this point. The Bruins are also probably the least attractive option of the rumoured destinations because they’re the weakest.
By Troy on Jun 22, 2008
Eh, Wade Redden going to Boston, where his former mate Zdeno Chara is. Hmm…
Anyway, I believe in what I said of Montreal because they don’t want any of their top players who have expired deals leaving. Andrei Kostitsyn is an integral part of their lineup. Gorges? Eh, replaceable. Streit? Keeper. Halak? Maybe. But Sundin’s salary is the X factor. Will Sundin gladly take a pay cut to be on a contender? I have a hard time believing that.
Again, Boston does have a great chance. Lets remember Savard and Hossa know each other from their days in the ATL. I don’t know how influence that will have, but it could have some. My money is on Boston making the best move they can, especially with the cap space avaliable for them.
By Troy on Jun 22, 2008
For the record, I’d take Hossa. And I’d see if Sundin would take a pay-cut. But Montreal will (for my money), be the team to beat in the East next year if they land Hossa and/or Sundin.
By Jason C on Jun 23, 2008
Montreal will be a good team if they land either, but the biggest question mark remains in net. Price responded poorly against the Bruins, and he has yet to play a full season in the NHL. A lot of Montreal’s success will depend on him.