It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re closing in on the start of training camps later this month. However, general managers have been active the last few weeks. Restricted free agents are still the order of the day, but some major stars have signed extensions already. This puts pressure on other executives to get deals done. These deals will prevent some major names getting to the free agent market. This edition of NHL rumours deals with an update on a Pittsburgh Penguins star and contract talks.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Update on Contract Talks with Pittsburgh Penguins Superstar
Rumour: Insiders David Pagnotta and Elliotte Friedman offered updates on where talks stand with Sidney Crosby and the Penguins.
32 Thoughts Friday news & information podcast. We go through every team. Lotsa tidbits. Great editing work from @CamJBarra, pinch-hitting for Dom. Back next Friday, then returning to our regular Monday/Friday schedule.
Enjoy!https://t.co/io7Mr1RceU
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 6, 2024
Analysis: Pittsburgh’s captain becomes a free agent at the end of the season. The Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native can sign a contract at any time since he’s going into the final year of his deal. However, nothing has been signed at this time.
Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas said that he’s wanted to keep talks between the two sides quiet. Dubas doesn’t want to do negotiations in the public eye and wants to handle things internally.
However, Pittsburgh fans can’t help but worry because a deal hasn’t gotten done. Seeing other deals like Leon Draisaitl getting inked by the Edmonton Oilers may also raise the alert level.
Something on the Table?
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that there’s reportedly a three-year deal on the table for Crosby. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also mentioned Crosby’s negotiations in the latest edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast.“I honestly believe the Penguins have made him multiple offers,” according to Friedman. “I haven’t heard that he was ‘insulted’ by any of the offers. I don’t think it’s about that.”
Both Pagnotta and Friedman think Crosby is going to take his time when it comes to a new deal. Crosby might have taken time for himself this summer and didn’t want to rush a new deal.
However, the questions will probably get asked again with him taking part in the NHL’s Player Media Tour next week in Las Vegas. The shouting may only get louder the longer Crosby doesn’t sign an extension.
Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Despite all the worrying talk, many insiders feel Crosby will stay with the Penguins. The ultimate goal is the future Hall of Famer wants to win, but wants to see how things play out.
Dubas is trying to rebuild on the fly and made some moves like getting Michael Bunting in the Jake Guentzel deal. It’s a delicate business to retool the roster and to also keep Crosby happy.
Pittsburgh has just over $59.1 million in salary committed to its roster. It should be able to make a deal happen for Crosby, but the cap number is the main question. The star forward is likely to get a raise from his $8.7 million salary.
The current team salary cap number is at $88 million, but is expected to raise around $92 million. There should be plenty of space, but the key is how much will this next deal take.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
