Something happened between July 1st and today to make Ruslan Fedotenko give up his demands for a multi-year deal and return to the Penguins on a one year contract. What exactly happened will only be a matter of conjecture but I have a feeling it has something to do with the inevitable salary cap pinch all teams are feeling for the coming year. This is made more likely by the stinging fact that while Ruslan made $2.25 million last season he will only make $1.8 million under the terms of the new contract.

A pay cut was certainly not warranted based on his production in 08-09 so the only reason is that the market has dried up fast as teams have inched closer and closer to the cap since free agency began. In 65 games Feds racked up 16 goals and 23 assists missing some time with a broken hand suffered during a fight. Fedotenko’s return will keep one of the most dangerous and feared lines in all of hockey together for one more season.

I am glad to have Feds back but I hope that he doesn’t feel as though he got screwed over by accepting less money and doesn’t play up to his potential.

The Penguins also signed Defenseman Nate Guenin, a Pittsburgh native, to a one year contract as well today. Guenin has been with the Flyers since 2006 but appeared in just 12 games.