Pens Points: Matt Cullen Wants to Return, But Cap Is Tight

Good morning one and all,

Lots of news as we move past the draft and RFA offer window toward free agency that opens on Friday.

The biggest story will be the final landing spot for Steven Stamkos. Most expect a sign-and-trade. [Sportsnet]

As of midnight last night, all teams are free to negotiate offer sheets with RFAs, and there are many good ones this year. Here are the rules and compensation. [Colligan Hockey]

The only player the Penguins qualified was Dominik Uher. They also signed Tim Erixon to a 1-year, 2-way deal. No offers for Justin Schultz and 6 other RFAs. Cap space is tight, though if Schultz would sign for less, that might work out. [Trib]

Word is in that Matt Cullen wants to return for his 19th NHL season, and that his preference is to sign in Pittsburgh. The Pens are tight against the cap, so Jim Rutherford and Jason Botterill will have to get creative. [Yahoo Sports]

Pens prospect development camp kicks off tomorrow. 35 players were invited. We'll get a chance to see 4 of this year's draft picks: Filip Gustavsson (second round), Connor Hall (third round), Niclas Almari (fifth round) and Joseph Masonius (sixth round). Austin Lemiuex will also attend. [Penguins]

Lars Eller had no defined role in Montreal and that definitely hampered his output. In Washington, he looks to be the new third-line center. So much about Jay Beagle. [AP]

Jason Demers and Milan Lucic are being wooed by Edmonton. [Edmonton Journal]

The Preds sign Filip Forsberg to a 6-year $36M contract. Meanwhile, Caps don't qualify Michael Latta, who was the last remaining piece from that laugher of a trade for Washington. [NBC Sports]

And for the end, Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2016 is in. The wait is over for Eric Lindros, Sergei Makarov and Rogie Vochon (as well as the late Pat Quinn in the Builders category), but Paul Kariya, Dave Andreychuk and Mark Recchi were not inducted. [ESPN]