PITTSBURGH (Sportsradio 93.7 The FAN) – Tyler Kennedy’s agent, Steven Bartlett, joined Seibel, Starkey, and Miller on Sportsradio 3.7 The FAN to talk about No. 48′s future in Pittsburgh.

Without a qualified offer, negotiations are taking place between Bartlett and Penguins management to reach a contract to keep Kennedy in Pittsburgh.  Bartlett said the goal is to get a deal to keep Kennedy in Pittsburgh because he wants to play for this organization, it is just a matter of finding the right balance and there is a willingness and effort coming from each side to reach a  deal.

Bartlett has represented Penguins in the past, including Mark Eaton and Rob Scuderi, both of which have left the organization.  He says he does have a good relationship with Ray Sherro and the Pens management and wants to get a deal together to keep Kennedy in the city.

Bartlett said at the end of the day,  the final decision is up to Kennedy whether or not he accepts an offer for less than he would get on the unrestricted free agent market to stay in Pittsburgh.  He said he is simply Kennedy’s advisor, and there are more factors in the decision than dollar signs, pointing out the competitiveness of a team, the coaches, players, and city.