Penguins, Nedved Still at Odds

The Pittsburgh Penguins and forward Petr Nedved remain far apart in contract negotiations.

Nedved, who is threatening to play this season in the Czech Elite League, wants about $3 million to $4 million more than the Penguins seem willing to pay.

The Penguins have offered Nedved about $15 million over five years. Nedved is seeking $18.5 million to $19 million.

“I’m not saying $15 million is pocket change,” Nedved said. “But I feel my market value is more than that.”

Nedved said he has spoken to some of the Penguin players but has not spoken directly to management.

If he remains in the Czech Republic, he likely will join his younger brother, Jaroslav, on the Sparta Praha team.

“We would gladly take him for the whole season,” Sparta Coach Slavomir Lener told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Meanwhile, all-star wing Jaromir Jagr denied that he and the Penguins are nearing an agreement on a seven-year contract valued at $49 million. Jagr said the two sides have not talked since early last week.