The Pittsburgh Penguins are in a troublesome spot proper now, as they want to get again into the playoff image however don’t fairly have the energy of their lineup to have the ability to do this. Heading into the 2024-25 season, one factor that continues to be a possible concern that looms over the workforce is ahead Sidney Crosby and his contract state of affairs. He has but to signal an extension since changing into eligible on July 1, and followers have begun to get involved as each day passes. Whereas being concerned a few potential commerce is sensible contemplating the Penguins are retooling and gained’t make the playoffs this season, and Crosby is on an expiring deal, there’s virtually no means he’ll play a recreation in every other jersey throughout his profession. It’s time to place the Crosby commerce rumors to relaxation, particularly with the current report from trusted pundit Rob Rossi.
Crosby’s thirty seventh birthday was by no means a goal date for a brand new deal that he and the workforce stay assured will probably be signed, a number of Penguins and league sources stated. The sources had been granted anonymity so they might converse freely concerning the course of. Crosby has advised shut mates he intends to re-sign with the Penguins and that he, agent Pat Brisson and Penguins hockey president/basic supervisor Kyle Dubas are largely aligned about particulars of a brand new contract; nevertheless, his precedence this offseason has been on coaching for the upcoming season.
supply – ‘Sidney Crosby’s subsequent Penguins contract, Evgeni Malkin retirement: What I’m listening to’ – Rob Rossi – The Athletic – 08/08/2024
Rossi seemingly shuts down any concepts of a Crosby commerce occurring, reiterating that the 2 sides are snug with the place they stand with contract negotiations and aren’t anxious about letting issues proceed. He has made it clear his precedence is on coaching for the upcoming season relatively than extending as quickly as he probably can. Whereas the 2 sides would certainly wish to get one thing achieved earlier than the season begins, it looks like we will lastly put any Crosby commerce rumors to relaxation.
Crosby More likely to End Profession With Penguins, Regardless of Slim Probability at Stanley Cup
As somebody who’s already more likely to go down within the historical past books as one of many top-15 gamers of all time, Crosby has solidified himself as among the best Penguins to ever don the jersey.
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As somebody as superstitious as Crosby, mixed along with his public love for town of Pittsburgh and the workforce over the course of his profession, it’s unlikely he ever performs a recreation in one other workforce’s jersey. It appears as if the Penguins’ core of Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang will end out their careers collectively in hopes of profitable one other Stanley Cup, however they might have a troublesome time pulling that off within the subsequent couple of seasons.
When looking on the Penguins’ lineup heading towards the 2024-25 marketing campaign, it’s not one thing that screams contender by any means. Whereas Crosby has confirmed on quite a few events that he can single-handedly carry the Penguins to the postseason, this may occasionally even be a wrestle for him. It appears inevitable that the rebuild will probably be underway as soon as the present Penguins core decides to retire, however in addition they don’t appear to be making any huge strikes in hopes of constructing one final huge push for a championship.
Crosby has made it identified that he doesn’t intend on taking part in wherever else throughout his profession, so any commerce rumors made no sense from the start. At most, Penguins followers being concerned concerning the contract state of affairs is sensible, however each side have admitted they’re snug letting the season play out. On the finish of the day, Crosby will re-sign with the Penguins, it’s merely a matter of when.