Fleury / Pittsburgh Close to Deal

TIOPS's "2008 Free Agency Frenzy" has several new Pittsburgh posts; one of which is regarding Fleury who we haven't heard much on since the Penguins filed for salary arbitration. Here is what their "sources" have indicated:

• MARC-ANDRE FLEURY - "Penguins are very close to signing Marc Andre Fleury to long term contract that will pay him close to 5.1 million per season."

JORDAN STAAL - "Despite rumors indicating that the agent for Jordan Staal believes his client is a 5 million a year player, the Penguins are expected to approach Jordan Staal about a 4 year extension worth 13.5 million."

Other UFA INTERESTS (Defensemen) - "If the Penguins don't resign defenseman Brooks Orpik, I'm hearing they may pursue Avalanche defenseman Jeff Finger. Other defenseman the Penguins will have a interest in are Bryce Salvador and Paul Mara. The Penguins may also stand pat, use the extra money to sign another forward and address the loss of Orpik sometime during the season."

Other UFA INTERESTS (Markus Nasland) - "Source tell TIOPS, the Penguins are going to be in hot pursuit of Markus Naslund. Pittsburgh, NYR, Detroit and Vancouver are the favorites to land Naslund."