May 14, 2008 | 11:13am ET
Pitkanen negotiations set to begin TheFourthPeriod.com
The Edmonton Oilers and restricted free agent defenseman Joni Pitkanen are expected to begin contract negotiations later this month.
Sources tell TFP the two sides will kick-start discussions before the end of May, and talks will revolve around a long-term commitment.
The Oilers would like to give Pitkanen locked up to a long-term agreement, in and around the five-year range, which could see the Finnish defenseman earn around $4 million to $5 million per season.
There have been reports suggesting Pitkanen will seek a shorter-term deal, as he didn't do enough this past season to garner a big paycheck.
Pitkanen, 24, earned $2.4 million last season. He registered eight goals and 18 assists for 26 points in 63 games.
