Testing The Market: Dan Hamhuis, Sergei Gonchar Appear Headed To Free Agency

Three teams have tried to sign him now, and at every point, Dan Hamhuis has made it clear that he wants to see the market on July 1. That’s no different today. From Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

I maintain that a likely scenario — if Hamhuis does choose the Penguins — is him testing the market tomorrow and then accepting whatever offer the Penguins have made, assuming that offer remains on the table. For him to stay off the market at this point doesn’t seem to make much sense.

Meanwhile, negotiations with Sergei Gonchar are still at an impasse. Gonchar and his agent, J.P. Barry, want a three year deal. The Pens are settled on a two-year deal. It doesn’t appear either side will budge, as they haven’t in the last week. From ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun...

For more on the situation on the Penguins blueline, check out Pensburgh.