Report: Sergei Gonchar, Penguins put off contract talks

by Hooks Orpik on Mar 1, 2010 8:37 AM EST

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."

You'd have to believe the two options were a shorter term contract, like for two years, but a high salary -- perhaps close to what Gonchar currently makes in $5 million a season. The second option probably was a longer deal, with a lower salary cap number. However, as a 35+ player, Gonchar's contract will hit the Penguins cap for it's duration, he can't prorate it and retire, he'd have to finish out what he signs.

Obviously Ray Shero either thought the money was too much for him too fit, or he's still going to take the time he has to decide how he can fit Gonchar and give Kris Letang a new contract -- if that's even possible.

It's looking more and more likely that this may be Gonchar's last season in Pittsburgh. As much as the two sides want to work out a deal, and as good of a fit they are for each other, the numbers just don't seem to be aligning acceptably for both sides.

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Based on the Penguins numbers with and without Gonch, I have been a huge proponent of signing him to a 3 or 4 year deal. Even though he hasn’t been the Gonch we are used to this year, I expected him to turn it on for the Olympics and playoff drive.

However, after watching him in the Olympics, I am not so sure anymore. He did not look good at all, and did not seem to match the intensity he had during last year’s playoff run. If this is the Gonch the Pens are going to have on the books at $4-5m per the next 3-4 years, then I say we let him walk.

by Link_Gaetz on Mar 1, 2010 9:32 AM EST reply actions

I think a lot of that was with how Russia as a team was playing. And for what it’s worth, Suter-Rafalski got made fools of by Iginla and Crosby, all night the Canadian forwards (especially Eric Staal and Rick Nash) were dancing around American defensemen, etc, so Gonchar wasn’t relatively that bad, I think.

Ovechkin = Green Backs

by red army line on Mar 1, 2010 9:37 AM EST up reply actions

Rafalski had a good overall Olympics. Which was surprising to me, because he wasn’t able to hold players and use them as sleds all around the defensive zone like he usually does.

I also thought Suter was solid.

The Olympics were a big deal to the Russians, and I expected Gonch to be playing at the level he was at last playoffs. He wasn’t even close. I say, let’s see how he does in the playoffs, what he wants, and go from there.

How much do you think Paul Martin is going to get from NJ? I would rather leave Gonch go if we can make a run at Paul Martin.

by Link_Gaetz on Mar 1, 2010 9:41 AM EST up reply actions

Anton Volchenkov would be my #1 UFA target, but I imagine there’d be no shortage of itnerested teams in him, the price might be too high.

Martin would be good too as a guy who can move the puck and also have a veteran calmness about him.

Pensburgh.com

Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.

by Hooks Orpik on Mar 1, 2010 9:42 AM EST up reply actions

I thought Gonchar had an “OK” performance at the Olympics, but sometimes his game seems to lack urgency, if only to observers.

Pensburgh.com

Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.

by Hooks Orpik on Mar 1, 2010 9:41 AM EST up reply actions

Quitessential Russian? Know the type.

Same think with Mike Green—probably a big part of it is how well both guys can skate and have their head up to choose the easy play.

Ovechkin = Green Backs

by red army line on Mar 1, 2010 1:33 PM EST up reply actions

I think I’m coming to your side, Link. I know the Pens record without Gonchar is horrific compared to when he plays and he’s a big-time #1 d-man, but Pittsburgh literally can’t afford to give a 36 year old guy with injury concerns either the years on a contract or the money Gonchar wants.

Sucks, but I think he’ll be moving on, and it’s probably the right choice, even though he definitely still has a lot to offer.

Pensburgh.com

Wayne Gretzky had it wrong: 100% of the shots Gary Roberts doesn't take DO go in.

by Hooks Orpik on Mar 1, 2010 9:44 AM EST up reply actions

2nd RD pick for Jordan Leopold according to TSN

by genomachine-O on Mar 1, 2010 10:03 AM EST reply actions

I’m not terribly worried about it. I don’t think Gonchar is what he used to be, and it’s hard to part with that much cash if you aren’t sure what you’re going to get in a few years. After all, he’s on the wrong side of 35, so the Pens can’t take advantage of the young player signs a really long contract retirement loophole a la Detroit.

by JustinM on Mar 1, 2010 10:29 AM EST reply actions