Coming into this season, I was firmly in the "Pens have to keep Gonchar" camp. He had a slow start to the year, but he picked it up enough to keep me in that camp. When he went down with his injury, his value to the Penguins really showed. The Powerplay couldn't do anything and the breakout was horrible. I felt this further proved my point that he was a must-sign.

He was inconsistent when he came back, often taking games off (or so it appeared). I assumed that he was saving his energy for the Olympics and the stretch run. I figured, if he turns it on for the Olympics and the end of the season, we'll see the Gonch that Shero needs to sign.

Then, he was awful in the Olympics. And he has not been very good for the Pens since the break. Now, I am starting to feel that the Pens need to let Gonch walk, and try to find a defenseman who is a good-puck mover and more consistent in the D-zone (maybe a pipe dream).

My question for you is, do you want to re-sign Gonch? If so, what is the maximum amount you would like to see him get?

As of right now, anything above $3m per year for 3 years would make me uneasy.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10054/1037874-123.stm

I was very surprised to see that article this morning on PPG.com.

As I have said in the past, even during the dark years the Pens' TV ratings were strong. Nice to see the people of Pittsburgh really getting into all things hockey. I love it. I don't care if you have been watching hockey since you were three years old, or you just started getting into it after the lockout, it is always great when people truly realize what a fantastic game hockey is.