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 seemingly would be the closing contract extension of his profession. Josh Yohe of The Athletic is the newest to specific that confidence.
“My guess is that Crosby’s subsequent contract can 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 for the reason that begin of July, hasn’t but completed so and has one season remaining on his present deal.
Yohe famous that he would not “suppose the Penguins can be excellent 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 crew earlier than he calls time on his Corridor of Fame profession.
“I’m certain he’d like to hit 700 targets and a pair of,000 factors,” Yohe stated about Crosby, who ended final season with 592 profession targets and 1,596 profession factors. “These numbers should not unrealistic, particularly the 700 targets. However he’s gained the Cup thrice. He’s gained Olympic gold twice. He’s one of many 5 finest gamers of all time. His legacy is safer than secure. He’s bought a nine-figure checking account. So, I believe he’ll cease going when he doesn’t take pleasure in it anymore.”
Crosby turns 37 years outdated in August and seemingly desires to play alongside heart Evgeni Malkin and defenseman Kris Letang by means of the ends of their NHL careers.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 doubt 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 common 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 seemingly closed, however that actuality is not inflicting him to wish to function for some other crew earlier than he rides off into the sundown of retirement.
