Report: Penguins GM interested in getting Gonchar back after lockout
Dec 22, 2012, 11:03 PM EDT
Getty Images Over the course of the lockout, Sergei Gonchar and Evgeni Malkin have been reunited while playing for the KHL’s Magnitogorsk Metallurg. This might not be the last time the two play together before Gonchar hangs up his skates.
Gonchar is in the last campaign of his three-year, $16.5 million contract with the Ottawa Senators, but Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero is interested in getting him back, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun’s league sources.
Of course, when this lockout ends and what Gonchar’s status is when it’s all over will be key determining factors. It’s possible that Shero will end up pursuing Gonchar as an unrestricted free agent.
Gonchar’s tenure with the Ottawa Senators didn’t start on a high note, but he did bounce back last season with 37 points in 74 games. He also averaged 22:15 minutes per contest and was a significant contributor for the Senators with the man advantage.
Getting Gonchar should be a plus for the Penguins from a leadership perspective. He’s a veteran voice that many member of the Penguins are already familiar with thanks to his last stint with the club. Malkin in particular would be thrilled after thanking Sergei Gonchar in particular during his Hart Trophy acceptance speech.
-
Mike Halford and Jason Brough tackle that question.
-
Getty Images
He also wants to express his gratitude to the Vancouver Canucks.
-
AP
Beau Bennett and Jussi Jokinen have been inserted into the lineup.
-
AP
Two swift playoff exits sunk the Canucks’ coach.
-
His career has gone downhill since being part of the Hodgson trade.
-
AP
Vancouver’s Alain Vigneault joins the fray.
-
“As long as they keep winning here, that just gives me a better chance for a return with every win.”
-
“Will we look at them? Absolutely.”
-
Getty Images
Pittsburgh’s power play is just 1-for-12 in its past two games.
-
Official: Canucks fire head coach Vigneault, assistants Bowness and Brown
May 22, 2013, 3:48 PM EDT
Getty Images
Vancouver cleans house.
-
After starring for Team USA, Ducks goalie Gibson ‘ready for the NHL right now’
May 22, 2013, 3:31 PM EDT
Decent goaltending depth in Anaheim at the moment.
-
Darin Pastor wants to know why his offer to buy the Coyotes was rejected
May 22, 2013, 2:47 PM EDT
Getty Images
Click to read two good reasons.
-
AP
This should make the Keith Ballard buyout easier to stomach.
-
Question for commenters: What, if anything, needs to be done about the officiating?
May 22, 2013, 2:07 PM EDT
Go have your say.
-
Top-ranked Russian prospect Nichushkin will play in North America next year
May 22, 2013, 1:55 PM EDT
He’s expected to be a top-5 pick at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
-
Club says he suffered no injuries.
-
Getty Images
His contract with the Coyotes is up June 30.
-
Stone to make ’13 postseason debut for Sens in Game 4 vs. Pens, Conacher out
May 22, 2013, 11:10 AM EDT
Bold, but familiar move from Ottawa head coach Paul MacLean.
-
Getty Images
Veteran defenseman spent 15 years in the league.
-
Getty Images
Pending RFA not expected to re-sign with Jets.
