Twas a Week Before Free Agency, And All Through the Penguins House

Not a creature was stirring ... not even Gary Roberts.

Things have been quiet for the Penguins, relatively speaking, the last few days. Weeks after the season ended and only 6 days before free agency, Penguins GM Ray Shero has not signed a single free agent of the 12 he has.

Besides providing an offer to Marion Hossa, the Penguins have reportedly offered a 4 year contract to defenseman Brooks Orpik averaging just over 3 million per year. Otherwise, nothing.
I have heard the Penguins intend to offer deals to forwards Adam Hall, George Laraque and Jarrko Ruutu. I am a bit skeptical about whether they'll pitch one to Ruutu, and I've heard that they don't plan on doing so with Pascual Dupuis either, waiting instead to see what the market brings for each on July 1.

It sure would be nice for Shero to ink someone before the mad dash in just under a week.

Meanwhile, Penguins cult legend Gary Roberts announced yesterday that he won't be back with the team next year. In the press, the parting seemed amicable, but behind the scenes, I'm not so sure. Apparently, Roberts was upset at having been a scratch in game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. True or not, I don't believe that's the real reason he's decided to move on. More likely, he's hoping to make around the same money he made last season -- 2.5 million -- but the Penguins aren't prepared to pay him that much.

For as much as he brings to the team, his health and the Penguins salary cap really prohibit paying him a salary like that. I imagine (hope) Shero asked if he'd stick around for 1 million. The fact that Roberts didn't -- and stated his desire to continue playing next season -- suggests the two weren't on the same page as to either his role or his value. What else could it be? By even Roberts' own account, he loved playing in Pittsburgh.

The WWGRD questions and sayings about GR are already legendary in these parts after only 2 seasons on the squad.

If something breaks in the next few days, I'll speak on it. Otherwise, I'll check back in on the eve of free agency. I previously promised a posting on who the Penguins would (and should) target in free agency. It's still coming. I'm just teasing like Jenna Jameson here. Or for those fans of the new crop, think teasing like Nikki Benz.

On that good note ....