Because the offseason progresses, hypothesis about Sidney Crosby’s contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins stays a sizzling subject amongst followers. With just one season left on his present deal, some supporters are feeling unsettled and when it was introduced {that a} deal was imminent between the 2 sides with phrases suggesting a three-year deal was on the horizon, followers obtained excited.

Then, it was crickets. There was no replace on an extension, no deal signed, and no information that one is coming. Why?

Ought to Followers Be Involved that Crosby Talks Hit a Snag?

Penguins insider Rob Rossi of The Athletic reassured followers that there is no such thing as a trigger for concern. In a latest article, he famous that each one events concerned are snug with the present state of negotiations.

He writes:

I made just a few calls to observe up, and the one actual information — maybe one other subjective time period — is that each one events (Crosby and his agent, Pat Brisson, and Penguins GM Kyle Dubas) had been snug sufficient with the place the contract negotiations stood that everyone felt snug going about summer season plans akin to taking holidays and having fun with a little bit of downtime.

supply – ‘Sidney Crosby’s contract, Penguins trades, Massive Three’s future: Mailbag’ – Rob Rossi – The Athletic – 07/31/2024

This stage of consolation has allowed everybody to concentrate on different issues with out the looming stress of unresolved contract talks. That’s nice, on the floor.

Are the Penguins and Crosby Forgetting One thing Necessary?

The group and the participant would possibly really feel OK with the place issues are at, however that doesn’t essentially imply the fan base and sponsors have all the boldness on the planet. Rossi famous that some people who work together with season-ticket holders and company companions could really feel a bit anxious till the deal is finalized. The potential delay in signing an extension has undoubtedly raised questions on the way forward for the franchise and its management.

In different phrases, till Crosby is prolonged, some ticket holders and big-money advertisers won’t lengthen their monetary dedication to the crew. As for what number of followers make up that variety of ticketholders or what number of companies are holding again, that’s not clear. It’s nonetheless one thing the crew and the participant ought to take into account earlier than they take a protracted break and go away folks hanging.

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It’s vital to notice right here that Crosby has yet one more season on his contract, thus he’s not required to commit proper now. Frankly, he doesn’t owe anybody something. That stated, Crosby has been the face of the Penguins since he was drafted first total in 2005, and his affect on the crew’s success can’t be overstated. If he is aware of he intends to remain, why not get this carried out? Followers are wanting to see how the group navigates this important interval in its historical past and everybody happening trip makes issues that rather more hectic when it doubtlessly doesn’t must be.

When Does This All Begin to Get Actually Uncomfortable?

In the end, the contract scenario seems to be beneath management, and the Penguins stay optimistic about securing a cope with their captain. For now, followers can relaxation straightforward understanding that each one events concerned are targeted on reaching an settlement and that Crosby’s future in Pittsburgh stays vibrant. Nevertheless, if this drags on and into the season, and maybe even previous Crosby’s birthday on August seventh (Crosby is sort of superstitious), there may be a motive to chunk one’s nails.

Rossi provides, “All people who would know continues to say the Crosby contract is shut.” He provides, “That stated, for lots of causes, not least the Penguins needing to excite revenue-generators amid a hum-drum offseason, till the announcement occurs, the scenario is understandably a trigger for discomfort for followers and sponsors.”