Who Will Stay .. Who Will Go? The Latest Penguin Free Agent Talk

Talk began over the weekend that the Penguins have identified RW Marion Hossa as their #1 priority in the off-season and offered him a deal in the 6 to 7 year range, with the total payout averaging near 7 million per season.

It would be hard not to like a deal that keeps Hossa on Sidney Crosby's flank for that long, although the likely consequence of a deal like that will be to ship Ryan Malone out of town.

There already has been talk that, although the Penguins have made Malone 2 offers, his agent, former Hartford Whalers goaltender Mike Liut, has rejected them both. Apparently the Malone camp isn't happy over offers they feel are too low. That has led to rumors that the Penguins are seriously exploring trading Malone (rather than "his rights", as it's often erroneously stated) before he becomes a free agent, and perhaps even before the draft this weekend. The Columbus Blue Jackets have been labeled as the most likely destination. Coincidentally, they have 2 picks in the first round of the draft, at #6 and #19, although it's unlikely they would part with one of those for Malone. Edmonton also has been a rumored destination for Malone if he's moved.

With that, the entry draft may have more intrigue this weekend for the Penguins than most of us suspected for a team not slated to pick first until 120th overall.

In addition to the Hossa and Malone talk, most know by now that the Penguins opted for salary arbitration with starting goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. This was a good move by the Penguins. It means he will NOT become a restricted free agent on July 1, and thus won't put Pittsburgh in the position of having to match an expensive offer sheet if they had not signed him before then. The arbitration hearing will be scheduled for sometime between July 20 and August 4, and the Penguins have time to negotiate a long-term deal with him before then. If they don't reach an agreement, the arbitrator will issue an award for 1 year, and Fleury will have the choice of taking that amount for 2 years. Because the Penguins requested arbitration, they cannot walk away from the award.

At the very least, Fleury will be a Penguin for at least one more season. It's likely, however, that the team will reach an agreement with Fleury at some point. After this season's playoff run (despite an average Stanley Cup Final), he's established himself as the Penguins long-term, go-to man in the net.

Later in the week, I'll post an update on Hossa, Malone, Orpik and whatever else is happening in Penguin free agency, then put my blindfold on and toss a few darts at what the Penguins may (and should) do on draft weekend. Normally I'd be able to throw out a few names they're considering, but with our Boys of Winter not picking until the 4th round, that type of prediction is pretty much out the window.