The Penguins are pushing the cap and as they do, signing both Fedotenko and Scuderi becomes less likely now that they have secured the services of Bill Guerin (1 year deal for $2 million) and Adams (2 yrs for $1.1 million). Guerin came in a little cheaper than I thought he would but by my calculations puts them just under $51,220,000 committed to next year’s team. With a cap of just $56.8 millions that means just about $5.6 million remains and with Fedotenko and Scuderi both seeking multi-year deals (and both demanding more money) than last year the odds of resigning them both or even one of them seems remote.

Fedotenko will probably want something in the realm of $2.5-$3 million (he made $2.25 last year) and Scuderi will command at least $2.5 (I think) to stay. That would put the Penguins right up against the cap. It is possible, but with uncertanty about how the cap will go next year after this one and with some other players also up for new contracts, the Penguins might well be leery about offering such contracts.

Free Agency starts tomorrow and the Penguins have a lot of work to do. But do not be surprised if you see some Wilke-Barre Baby Pens getting the call up to save cap room next season.

The question has been asked a lot; what exactly would be the salary cap for the 2009-2010 season? There was a lot of speculation that it might even go down a little but that really was not expected. Today, on the same day as the entry draft, the league answer that question with a $100,000 answer.

Yep, that is the increase for next season. Teams will now have $56.8 million to spend rather that $56.7 million. That puts the bind on any team with multiple important free agents to sign. Teams like the Penguins. So if players like Guerin and Fedotenko were expecting to get huge raises to stick around you can pretty much kiss those thoughts goodbye guys!

Reports are that the the Penguins have already talked with Fedotenko’s agent and extended an initial offer for next season. We’ll see if they can fit him in under the cap and who else they are actively chasing down to resign in the coming days. Guerin will likely not resign until after the 1st when he sees what other teams will offer his veteran and experienced frame. But I still hold out hope that he will take a pay cut to stay on a team like the Penguins.