You possibly can add one other Pittsburgh Penguins insider to the listing of these assured that it is a matter of when, not if, captain Sidney Crosby will signal what doubtless would be the closing 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 will probably be for 3 years,” Yohe mentioned 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 “assume the Penguins will probably 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 another crew earlier than he calls time on his Corridor of Fame profession.
“I’m certain he’d like to hit 700 objectives and a couple of,000 factors,” Yohe mentioned about Crosby, who ended final season with 592 profession objectives and 1,596 profession factors. “These numbers aren’t unrealistic, particularly the 700 objectives. However he’s received the Cup thrice. He’s received Olympic gold twice. He’s one of many 5 finest 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 take pleasure in it anymore.”
Crosby turns 37 years previous 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 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 assume 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 instructed me as soon as that he’d by no means have curiosity in being a coach, however maybe would like to be a basic 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 doubtless closed, however that actuality is not inflicting him to need to characteristic for another crew earlier than he rides off into the sundown of retirement.