The Penguins and defenseman Sergei Gonchar have put contract negotiations on hold. The two sides disagree about the player's value. Gonchar, who carries a $5 million cap hit this season, is heading for unrestricted free agency this coming summer.

The Maple Leafs can't extend the contract rookie goaltender Jonas Gustavsson until January. Gustavsson is making $810,000 under a one-year deal this season. He was the most sought-after free-agent goalie on the market before he signed with the Leafs last summer. "Don't think for a second there wouldn't be a lineup of teams again offering up big money if he gets to restricted free agency," said a league executive.

The Rangers are among a host of teams keeping an eye on Peter Forsberg in Sweden. Forsberg, 36, is testing his chronically injured right foot in the Karjala Cup tournament. "Yes, we have interest in Forsberg," Rangers general manager Glen Sather told the New York Post. "From the reports we've been getting, the foot is much better than it was a year ago. "We'll scout him at the tournament and see what, if anything develops. But I've always liked Peter and I've always been interested in finding a way to bring him to New York, if possible."