LATEST PENS FREE AGENCY BUZZ

Pascal Dupuis thus far. Dupuis agent Allan Walsh went into talks early last week trying to make the argument that *Talks have not progressed much between the Penguins andthus far. Dupuis agent Allan Walsh went into talks early last week trying to make the argument that Dupuis is a $5 million a year player and talks have remained challenging. Shero and Walsh met for over 90 minutes on Friday evening with the Penguins hoping to make substantial progress towards a deal, but the meeting left talks at a standstill, team sources say.

Dupuis camp believes the 34 year old could be in line for a 4 year deal in the range of $18-$22 million on the open market. Talks have not been shutdown but the Penguins for a few days now have anticipated Dupuis testing the open market. Teams can begin talking to free agents on July 3rd.

*According to a source, the Penguins are confident in having the framework in place on a new deal for Craig Adams by early in the week. Both sides are confident that there’s a deal to be made. Agent Neil Sheehy arrived in town Saturday and the two sides are expected to get together Sunday/Monday.

*Will the Pascal Dupuis situation impact the Matt Cooke negotiations? Cooke has been holding out for a three year deal with Cooke believing the Carolina Hurricanes are one team out there prepared to offer Cooke three years, an NHL source says. The Penguins have offered Cooke a two year deal.

With Dupuis maybe going elsewhere, will the Penguins go three years at $1.25 million (Cooke’s 2013 salary) per season? It’s been discussed internally I’m told and I believe Cooke would take that deal.

*The Penguins have held no talks with Jarome Iginla, Douglas Murray, Brenden Morrow and Mark Eaton, according to agents for all four players.