It’s time for a weekend edition of NHL rumours. We’re nearing the start of training camps next week and things are starting to ramp up. While players may be starting to report soon, general managers have been working hard. Some major contracts have been signed, but there are some deals still waiting to be finished.
We saw one massive extension signed with the Edmonton Oilers and Leon Draisaitl earlier this month. However, Pittsburgh Penguins fans are hoping news of a big deal for one of its franchise stalwarts. This edition of NHL rumours covers another new development.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Pittsburgh Penguins Star Contract Talks Update
Rumour: In a recent edition of 32 Thoughts, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman offered an update on where talks stand between Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Friedman said that the Penguins captain may sign a short-term deal so he doesn’t put the team behind the eight-ball.
Friday morning 32 Thoughts news, information & interviews post-Vegas podcast
Featuring Sidney Crosby and David Pastrnak.
Enjoy!https://t.co/io7Mr1QEpm
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 13, 2024
Analysis: Crosby probably could get something like three years if he really wanted to. However, it seems that he’s going to give Pittsburgh General Manager Kyle Dubas some flexibility in his next contract.
The Sportsnet insider said he’s talked to sources around the league and Crosby doesn’t want to do anything that will affect the long-term success of the team. Something like one or two years could be the answer at the moment.
One of the main reasons Crosby may want to do this is in case his production dips. The Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native put up 94 points in 82 games last season. However, he still just turned 37 and Father Time is undefeated when it comes to careers.
Moving Forward
This seems to be another unselfish step on the part of the future Hall of Famer. Crosby is coming to the end of a 12-year deal that saw him make $8.7 million per season. Many thought he could have take more money. However, he decided to allow other key players like Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang to get big deals.
Pittsburgh was rewarded with two more Stanley Cups and Crosby seems to want to reopen the club’s competitive window. The Penguins have missed the post-season the last two seasons. However, it wasn’t due to a lack of effort by the front office. Dubas took big swings like acquiring Erik Karlsson, but those moves have yet to bear fruit.
Going with a short-term deal gives Dubas some room to make moves if needed. The Penguins could find themselves needing to make a move and this deal could help in that pursuit. However, the main question is still going to be money. It’s still a mystery that on what dollar amount Crosby will get with his next contract.
No End in Sight for Playing Career?
Friedman mentioned that Crosby seems to be open to playing into his 40s. Crosby has played in all 82 games the past two seasons after appearing in 69 in 2021-22.
He’s already had a Hall of Fame career, but could add to his legacy if he plays past the age of 40. It’s a testament to his longevity if he can pull this off.
However, it seems like Crosby is preparing for a decline that usually happens to all players. He hasn’t had that dip as of yet, but he’s aware it could happen. Crosby is trying to keep his team in the best possible shape for that day.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
