Penguins Must Play the Waiting Game.
By Drew Shetler
While a decision from forward Zach Praise is imminent, supposedly coming before the end of Monday, the Penguins must be patient. The Penguins are on the short list of teams for the talents of Praise. Also on that list include: Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings.
Praise will come at a steep price, with the lowest offer according to Bob McKenzie on the NHL Network reported 10 years $80 million and the Flyers offering more than $100 million.
The Penguins offer to Praise is the highest offer in both terms and salary in franchise history to an unrestricted free agent. Beating the seven year $50 million offer they offered to Marian Hossa four years ago.
Make no mistake that Praise is worth the money. In 502 games Praise has scored 194 goal and 410 points. The Penguins view him as a long term fit to play with their star center Sidney Crosby, who just signed a 12 year extension worth $104.4 million.
Crosby and defenseman Paul Martin have been known to call Praise on the Penguins behalf to try to bring Parise to Pittsburgh.