**Updated at 3:50pm EST**
I am told that after Meszaros rejected Murray's latest offer of 2.5 million last Friday, and that Murray came back with an offer of 1.8 million, figure that one out? After he rejected both offers, Meszaros was told he was not allowed at the Sens training facility, as Meszaros expressed an interest in returning to Ottawa for the last few weeks before training camp to skate with some of his teammates and get ready for the season with the training staff. This is just another twist to the whole saga that has unfolded the last 24 hours.

**Updated at 2:55pm EST**
I am told that Bryan Murray never offered Meszaros 3.5 million a year on any contract. This is contrary to the reports out of the Ottawa Sun today that states the Sens offered him 3.5 million a season. Murray offered Meszaros 2.5 million and he said no. The Russian League offered 4 million a year tax free. Why would Murray offer a guy with no arbitration rights 3.5 million when he has Chris Phillips and Anton Volchenkov make that type of money after taking a hometown discount? The story in the Sun doesn't add up one bit!

Expect the Lightning to get this deal done over the weekend with a formal announcement coming early next week after the long weekend.

**Updated at 2:15pm EST**
From 2 very good sources today, I am told Meszaros has known for a few days now that Tampa Bay was going to offer him over 5 million per year on a 6 year deal. From all accounts, it looks like the Lightning have re-acquired their 3rd pick from Pittsburgh.

Bryan Murray has said all summer that a deal would get worked out with Meszaros, well it hasn't happened and it just goes to show all you armchair GM's that you don't believe everything a GM says on or off the record. Something I have been saying for years here at hockeybuzz. Regardless, don't be surprised if the Sens re-visit the idea of trading with Chicago. Murray has 8 million to play with and he is going to want to upgrade on defense and add a forward if possible or maybe even take a look at his goaltending situation as Murray said it's an open competition come training camp, so once again the Sens don't have a bonafide number one goalie.

From Earlier Today:
I have been told by 3 sources now that the Tampa Bay Lightning have re-acquired their 3rd round pick from Pittsburgh. I am trying to get confirmation as we speak but if this is indeed the case then the next move would be for the Lightning to sign Andrej Meszaros to an offer sheet.

Stay tuned throughout the afternoon.

More to come,
Kevin

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