December 22, 2012
... and they'll get him, either in trade or as free agent

Senators defenceman Sergei Gonchar during a game against the Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa., March 31, 2012. (ROB CARR/Getty Images/AFP)

OTTAWA - If the NHL does start a shortened season next month, don’t expect Sergei Gonchar to finish it with the Ottawa Senators.

The veteran defenceman, going into the final year of a contract paying him $5.5 million per season, will be targeted for a trade by the Pittsburgh Penguins once a collective bargaining agreement is reached.

Whether Gonchar’s former team waits until whatever date is set for the trade deadline or a makes a pitch before the season begins isn’t known, but league sources say Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero has interest in bringing back the 38-year-old.