Gonchar Done in Pittsburgh?
If the Eastern Conference semifinal series against Montreal goes down as his last stand with the Penguins, admits he is unsatisfied with the way his five-year tenure ended.
would prefer not to be remembered for allowing Canadiens winger to get past him at the blue line to score a short-handed goal in the Penguins’ 5-2 Game 7 loss Wednesday at Mellon Arena.
“I am not satisfied, and it has nothing to do with free agency,” said who becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1. “As a team, I felt like we had a good chance in that series. But it didn’t work out.”
Now, Sarge is in charge of his future.
The team’s top defenseman and power-play quarterback left the Igloo Friday to go to Germany for the IIHF World Hockey Championships amid uncertainty over whether he will return to play for the Penguins next season.
“Walking out of here and not knowing if you’re going to come back, it’s not a great feeling,” said. “But we have plenty of time until July 1.”
said he met with Penguins general manager Ray Shero yesterday and plans to speak with him again before the opening of free agency. His agent, JP Barry, agreed in March to resume negotiations after the season.
is one of eight unrestricted free agents for the Penguins, along with defensemen , and and wingers , , and .
After completing a five-year, $25 million deal, is expected to be seeking a multi-year deal at the same annual salary. said the length of the contract will “not necessarily” be a sticking point in negotiations.
“I’d like to stay here, but the deal has to work for both sides,” said. “We’re not going to look at my contract and say it’s the last one. We’re going to weigh in everything – the city, the fans, the length of it, the teammates, the coaches.”
Penguins coach Dan Bylsma pointed out that , 36, would be the same age as the 39-year-old at the end of a three-year deal.
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