In as we speak’s NHL rumors rundown, the Pittsburgh Penguins signed Sidney Crosby to a brand new two-year deal and he talked about his extension whereas delivering season tickets to followers. What does this sort of deal imply for his future with the staff? In the meantime, it sounds just like the New Jersey Devils and Dawson Mercer are getting nearer to an extension, as are the Dallas Stars with Thomas Harley.
Crosby Talks Extension with the Penguins
The Penguins re-signed Sidney Crosby to a two-year contract extension on Monday, working by way of the 2026-27 season and carrying a median annual worth of $8.7 million. Crosby mentioned the delay in getting the deal carried out was the variety of years. He wanted to weigh what was finest for himself and the staff and determine what size of contract he was going to be comfy with.
Many consider Crosby did the Penguins an enormous favor by signing this sort of deal. It permits them to construct round him and attempt to be aggressive in his NHL window.
It’s essential to notice that this contract with structured in such a manner that it offers Crosby an opportunity to be moved if the staff is struggling and never residing as much as their finish of the deal with regards to being aggressive.
Rob Rossi of The Athletic writes:
With 93.7 p.c of Crosby’s wage paid earlier than 12 months 2 of the brand new contract, he would come low cost — once more, when it comes to precise cash — in any potential commerce through the 2026 offseason. By paying the supermajority of Crosby’s actual cash earlier than that second contract season, the Penguins might justifiably demand a extra favorable return in any potential commerce, particularly if, as could be doubtless, they took on a sizeable chunk of Crosby’s cap hit.
supply: ‘Sidney Crosby’s new contract retains him with Penguins — and in management’ – Rob Rossi – The Athletic – 09/17/2024
This isn’t to recommend that Crosby has plans to maneuver on. He desires to be a Penguin for all times. However, as Rossi factors out, if Evgeny Malkin or Kris Letang retire or go away, Crosby might determine to take his ultimate season and attempt to win a Stanley Cup elsewhere.
Dawson Mercer Deal Virtually Carried out In New Jersey?
David Pagnotta experiences, “The Devils & RFA Dawson Mercer are additionally grinding away at a short-term contract. Every day talks have continued; I’m advised 2-yr & 3-yr offers on the desk, matter of the {dollars}.” James Nichols of NJHockeyNow provides, “With veterans set to report back to camp tomorrow, I’m listening to there’s been progress made between the #NJDevils and Dawson Mercer on an extension.”
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That is excellent news for the Devils who’ve been engaged on a Mercer extension for a while. Experiences recommend that will probably be a bridge deal and never a long-term extension.
Stars Engaged on Thomas Harley Deal
Pagnotta additionally notes, “Contract negotiations proceed between the Stars & RFA D Thomas Harley. I’m advised the 2 sides are targeted on a short-term deal. We’ll see how issues progress with coaching camps opening up tomorrow.
The Stars have simply over $6 million in cap area, making a one- to two-year bridge deal a viable possibility. With one other robust season, Harley might simply be value greater than $7 million per season. However, Dallas is cautious about utilizing up all their remaining cap room on a single contract, preferring to maintain flexibility for potential accidents or commerce alternatives.
With Jamie Benn and Esa Lindell’s contracts expiring after this season, the timing may very well be splendid to re-sign Harley to a bigger deal down the road.
