This offseason it is no secret at all that the Penguins have a tough task ahead of them. They have a dozen unrestricted free agents on July 1st, most of whom made a meaningful contribution to last season's near run to the Cup. Among those UFA's, meaning all of them, are Hossa, Bugsy Malone, Brooks Orpik, Kris Beech, Pascal Dupuis, Adam Hall, Georges Laraque, Gary Roberts, Jeff Taffe, and Jarkko Ruutu.
Now, let's you and me both assume that Ryan Malone will be leaving, and with him, will go his 5 million dollar estimated future contract. Per the Columbus Dispatch, the Pens and Blue Jackets are in preliminary negotiations regarding a deal that would send the Jackets the rights to discuss a contract with Malone, and possibly Orpik as well, in exchange for Columbus's first round pick, the 19th overall pick in this year's entry level draft.
Orpik may or may not be gone, but that is beside the point. What more likely could have an impact on whether other guys can stay is how much is paid to Staal, Malkin, and Fleury. Those three alone should wind up, in a few years, making for a 15 million dollar cap hit minimally.
Where does Marian Hossa figure into this situation?
The Pens want Hossa to stay, and even more importantly, Sidney Crosby wants him to stay. Yes, he will cost money, but some fellows I've spoken to online who are relatively familiar with the situation, and other sources on the web and on my radio, seem to think that 18 is at the top of the Pens priority list right now. The Pens want him, and they will find a way to keep him.
Next year, he will return to his spot on Crosby's wing, and will rip it up for 100 points.
Just a thought.
After all, he has proven to be worth his salt, and has shed his pesky old label as a playoff underperforming, choking dog. Do you really want to miss out on more moments like this one?-
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