Pittsburgh Penguins followers understandably have grown involved concerning what’s been referred to because the “worrisome” contract scenario involving famous person captain Sidney Crosby.
Crosby recommended whereas talking on the NHL North American Participant Media Tour on Monday he will not stay on monitor to change into an unrestricted free agent on July 1 of subsequent yr via the beginning of the upcoming NHL season.
“I’m fairly optimistic it’s going to get finished,” Crosby mentioned about finalizing an extension with the Penguins, as shared by Josh Yohe of The Athletic. “I don’t know what day particularly. It’s been actually constructive. Hasn’t been a actual tough course of. I’m optimistic that one thing will get finished.”
Many believed {that a} contract extension for Crosby, who wears No. 87, can be introduced the identical day he turned 37 years outdated on Aug. 7 (8/7). That did not occur, nevertheless, and whispers concerning the two sides being near an settlement quieted down. Thus, some have openly wondered if Crosby is now having second ideas about that includes just for the Penguins throughout his NHL profession after the membership missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
As of Tuesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the 2024-25 Penguins at +120 betting odds to qualify for the postseason.
“I imply, I need to win each time I step onto the ice,” Crosby mentioned about Penguins president/normal supervisor Kyle Dubas starting a wanted roster rebuild this offseason, in keeping with Mike Zeisberger of the NHL’s web site. “And whatever the phrases you need to use, whether or not it’s rebuild, retool, even if you wish to use one other phrase to explain it, or use the phrase ‘going younger,’ that doesn’t change what I’m attempting to do as a participant and competing each evening to win hockey video games.”
Per ESPN stats, Crosby completed final season tied for twelfth within the league with 94 factors and tied for eleventh with 42 targets. The three-time Stanley Cup champion insisted on Monday he needs to proceed taking part in “so long as I presumably can,” presumably for the Penguins.
“I don’t suppose till you’re actually in that place the place you’re considering whether or not you’re going to play or not, nicely, I don’t suppose you actually know till that time,” Crosby continued. “Proper now, I really feel actually good. My physique feels good. I’ve the identical ardour as I did after I got here in the league to play. So hopefully, that’s one thing that may assist me proceed to play and play at a excessive stage.”
With that mentioned, questions on that “ardour” presumably inflicting Crosby to need to be part of a contender by way of a midseason commerce will proceed to hover over the Penguins for so long as he’s within the ultimate yr of his present contract.
