Penner has $21-million offer from Edmonton
Knowing that the Ducks are dealing with salary-cap issues, the Edmonton Oilers tendered winger Dustin Penner a five-year, $21.25-million offer sheet, putting pressure on Anaheim to match that offer or risk losing the restricted free agent.
The Ducks have seven days to try to work something out. If that fails, Edmonton will receive the burly power forward and must surrender a first-round draft pick along with a second-round and a third-round pick in 2008.
Penner, 24, was second on the Ducks with 29 goals in what was his first full season. He also had three goals in the playoffs, including the winner in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals.
The Ducks already have a projected 2007-08 cap figure of $48.2 million, which includes Scott Niedermayer’s $6.75-million salary. But Niedermayer is considering retirement, and if they sign Penner and Niedermayer returns, the Ducks would be over the NHL’s high-water cap mark of $50.3 million. However, teams can push their payroll up to 10% above the maximum until the start of the regular season, when they must be at or below the cap.
General Manager Brian Burke would not comment Thursday. Although he has said he would match any offer sheet, it is believed the club was not expecting such a high amount.
Penner’s agent, Steve Kotlowitz, did not return messages left at his Edmonton office. Oilers General Manager Kevin Lowe also would not comment.
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