You’ll be able to add one other Pittsburgh Penguins insider to the checklist of these assured that it is a matter of when, not if, captain Sidney Crosby will signal what probably would be the remaining contract extension of his profession. Josh Yohe of The Athletic is the latest to express that confidence.
“My guess is that Crosby’s subsequent contract might be for 3 years,” Yohe stated for a mailbag printed on Monday. “I don’t know that with absolute certainty, however that’s what I’ve heard.”
Some have speculated about Crosby’s future contemplating the truth that he has been eligible to signal a brand new contract because the begin of July, hasn’t but accomplished so and has one season remaining on his present deal.
Yohe famous that he does not “suppose the Penguins might be superb this season” after the membership missed the playoffs in back-to-back years, however there stays no indication that Crosby desires to play for some other staff earlier than he calls time on his Corridor of Fame profession.
“I’m positive he’d like to hit 700 objectives and a couple of,000 factors,” Yohe stated about Crosby, who ended final season with 592 profession objectives and 1,596 profession factors. “These numbers usually are not unrealistic, particularly the 700 objectives. However he’s gained the Cup 3 times. He’s gained Olympic gold twice. He’s one of many 5 greatest gamers of all time. His legacy is safer than protected. He’s acquired a nine-figure checking account. So, I think he’ll cease going when he doesn’t get pleasure from it anymore.”
Crosby turns 37 years outdated in August and seemingly desires to play alongside middle Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang by the ends of their NHL careers. In October 2023, they grew to become the longest-tenured trio of teammates in North American skilled sports activities historical past.
“I’ve little question Crosby will stay one thing of a fixture in Pittsburgh,” Yohe added about what would be the Penguins’ subsequent period. “He loves it right here. I additionally suppose he’ll be concerned in hockey in some capability, maybe with the Penguins. He has the cash to put money into possession if he desires. He informed me as soon as that he’d by no means have curiosity in being a coach, however maybe would like to be a normal supervisor, like his hero, Steve Yzerman.”
As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Penguins at +120 betting odds to make the playoffs for the upcoming season. Pittsburgh’s window to win one other title with Crosby on the roster has probably closed, however that actuality is not inflicting him to wish to characteristic for some other staff earlier than he rides off into the sundown of retirement.
