 | Winger Guerin will not return to Penguins |
 The Penguins have decided not to bring back veteran right wing Bill Guerin this season. Guerin was informed of the decision by Penguins general manager Ray Shero late Wednesday. Shero said last Friday after signing free-agent winger Arron Asham that a decision regarding Guerin's future would come this week. Guerin, 39, scored 21 goals for the Penguins last season, and his four playoff goals tied for the lead among wingers. Several times since the Penguins were eliminated in Round 2 of the playoffs Guerin stated his desire was to play a final NHL season with them. However, it was never clear if he was willing to accept a reduction on his $2 million salary.
The Penguins project $1.7 million in available space under the NHL's $59.4 million cap. Currently they are committed to 12 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies on NHL contracts. Guerin joined the Penguins on March 4, 2009, in a trade with the New York Islanders. His acquisition ended up costing a third-round pick in that year's draft, but the tradeoff was his work on the ice and inside the dressing room during the Penguins run to the Stanley Cup. His veteran leadership and light-hearted nature was evident from the first day, when he famously ribbed team captain Sidney Crosby before a game at Florida. He became a fixture on the top line with Crosby, providing a long sought right-handed shot. Several players from that Cup squad cited Guerin's arrival as a key factor in loosening a tight atmosphere that hit a low-mark with the firing of coach Michel Therrien on Feb. 14, 2009. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_696623.html
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| "Winger Guerin will not return to Penguins" | Login/Create an Account | 5 comments |
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Re: Winger Guerin will not return to Penguins (Score: 1)
by frankinboltonleafs on Thursday, August 26
(User Info | Send a Message) | | Shero is an enigma to me. You lose Gonchar, dump Poni and Guerin, and add Martin and "Cooke the sequel" Asham? (OK he's not Cooke-like but you get my meaning I hope). Maybe the philosophy is addition by subtraction? I'd have kept Guerin at least. |
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Re: Winger Guerin will not return to Penguins (Score: 1)
by Redwings3019 on Friday, August 27
(User Info | Send a Message) | I think the Pens were interested in Kariya and perhaps this is a sign that talks are going well with him... I dont know if they are actually talking to Kariya or if they are still interested, I just remember seeing a list of teams that would be interested in Kariya and the Pens I believe were on it.
Kariya not signing with the Ducks yet is a little odd because a lot of people were saying he'll sign as soon as Selanne gets signed. It could be he hasnt decided if he'll be playing another season or if its the Ryan situation thats holding it up.
The Ducks have more cap room to work with, even if they sign Ryan (however I think they also need another D or two but Im not sure if its 5-6 guys or what...), and from what Ive heard Kariya really wants to play with Selanne and the Ducks again...Im not 100% sure but I think the Ducks currently have around 10 mil in cap space and less than half would be commited to Ryan. Have to wait and see...
(I dont follow either team so Im not too informed on whats going on with them so take the above with a grain of salt...) |
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Re: Winger Guerin will not return to Penguins (Score: 1)
by hockey_lover on Friday, August 27
(User Info | Send a Message) | I personally think its a bad move. As much as Guerin frustrated me on the ice from time to time, his experience, leadership and demeanor were intangibles that you cant replace.
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Re: Winger Guerin will not return to Penguins (Score: 1)
by rc21pa on Friday, August 27
(User Info | Send a Message) | Actually there is no proof that talks are off with the Pens and Guerin. Matter of fact signs are pointing to Guerin remaining a Pen and looks like the signing could happen over the weeks coming.
A current artical in the Trib as stated that Guerin has not put his house in Sewickly up for sell and His kids are currently enrolled for the upcomming school year which everyone and anyone that knows the Pittsburgh area is within the next week or two.
The quick write-up did go on to state that this is not a action of someone that is looking to leave for another team.
So, in closing, The Pens have not given up on re-signing Guerin and don't count out the possibility til there is a contract signed.
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