"Talks have turned into negotiations between the Penguins and representatives for top defenseman Sergei Gonchar.

General manager Ray Shero and agent JP Barry discussed contract terms and numbers Saturday, and negotiations are expected to resume Monday.

Specifics of the negotiations are not known. The respective policies of Shero and Barry are not to divulge details of contract negotiations, and each declined comment.

Gonchar, 36, has scored 53 goals and recorded 259 points in 322 regular-season games since signing a five-year contract worth $25 million with the Penguins in July 2005. He was the club's No. 1 defenseman and power-play quarterback.

He is seeking a multi-year deal, and despite publicly stating his desire to remain with the Penguins, Gonchar has not expressed a willingness to take a significant salary reduction - if any at all."