It seems that the lack of significant news might not be a negative sign regarding Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby’s upcoming contract extension with his long-time NHL team, set to happen as soon as he’s eligible on Monday.
“There is no concern on either side about Crosby’s looming new contract,” reported Rob Rossi of The Athletic on Thursday. “It will get done, league and team sources said. It’s more a matter of when.”
Crosby, who has one season left on his current contract, plays for a team that has missed the playoffs two years in a row and was involved in some trade rumors last season. Many believe that Pittsburgh’s championship chances with the 36-year-old, center Evgeni Malkin, and defenseman Kris Letang are over.
Rossi notes that discussions between agent Pat Brisson and Penguins president of hockey operations/general manager Kyle Dubas are about to “intensify.”
“Dubas needs to skillfully navigate the next few weeks to improve the team, so both the Penguins and Crosby are content to delay finalizing a new deal,” Rossi explained. “Crosby, who has spent much of his offseason in Europe, wants to give Dubas time to enhance the team. Crosby is committed to finishing his career with the Penguins, so there’s no rush to complete his next contract.”
On Thursday, The Athletic’s Josh Yohe reassured fans that Dubas “isn’t going to play hardball with” Crosby this summer.
“Crosby might ask for more than the $8.7M that has been his usual salary during most of his career,” Yohe wrote. “That’s his right if he requests it. He has always outplayed his contract. But I also think the Penguins realize Crosby isn’t going to make outrageous demands. There is no detectable stress from either side of this situation.”
There are valid arguments for Dubas and the team’s ownership to start rebuilding Pittsburgh’s roster, but Crosby seems determined to end this era of Penguins hockey on his own terms by continuing with the club beyond the 2024-25 season. While things can change, it looks like the three-time Stanley Cup champion will likely get his wish.