NHL Rumours: Pittsburgh Penguins in Quiet Talks with Star Player
NHL.com writer Adam Kimelman recently reported on the NHL rumors, highlighting the Pittsburgh Penguins’ quiet discussions with Sidney Crosby regarding his contract extension. Crosby is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2025. The Penguins are aiming to keep the contract negotiations discreet.
Analysis: Despite his age, Crosby remains a valuable asset to the Pittsburgh franchise, posting impressive stats with 94 points in 82 games during the 2023-24 season. As he approaches the final year of his 12-year contract, the team and general manager Kyle Dubas are cautious about discussing the future financials.
Dubas’s Strategy:General manager Dubas is keeping the details of Crosby’s contract under wraps. While he acknowledges the importance of adding younger talent alongside Crosby, Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin, he is mindful of budget constraints. The trade of Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes last offseason has left some tension within the organization, raising questions about future moves.
Focus on the Future:Dubas is considering a roster overhaul with younger players in mind, aiming to provide Crosby with another competitive shot at a Stanley Cup. This strategy mirrors the Washington Capitals’ efforts to maintain competitiveness around Alex Ovechkin as they transition to a younger team.
In summary, Crosby’s new deal is expected to be kept under wraps until negotiations reach a critical point. Dubas aims to balance adding younger talent while keeping Crosby and the team competitive in the short term.
