(Updated) New Crosby Contract Seems Imminent

It’s been a summer of unexpected uncertainty surrounding Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby and his next contract, which still has no conclusion. It’s been a long ride since last March when sources confided in Pittsburgh Hockey Now that Crosby was dedicated to helping the Penguins turn around the a couple of bad seasons.

However, that was before conversations with president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas and the subsequent offseason moves to acquire Cody Glass, Kevin Hayes, Anthony Beauvillier, and Blake Lizotte. They are the highlights of the forward group. Matt Grzelcyk’s signing highlighted the back end.

UPDATE: Sidney Crosby told reporters at the NHL/NHLPA media event in Las Vegas that he’s “pretty optimistic about a new contract. Read more here.

The Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, and Ottawa Senators have addressed needs and improved. The Penguins, instead, acquired draft picks for the coming retool or rebuild.

Friday, Sportsnet reporter Elliotte Friedman added a little more context to a summer’s worth of reports and non-reports. As part of his latest 32 Thoughts, Friedman said he believed the Penguins had offered Crosby multiple options, and the ball rests in his court.

“One thing I wonder is if Crosby is simply sitting here saying, ‘I’ve got no problem with the offers, I’ve got no problem with the Penguins, but if we’re not going to be making the playoffs, am I going to be able to handle that,'” said Friedman.

His words fell short of a report but amplified what we’ve also come to believe. The contract situation is about Crosby battling the fundamental conflict between the head and the heart. Of course, he wants to remain with the Penguins for the remainder of his career–he and everyone else have clearly stated that a few hundred times.

Crosby witnessed Marc-Andre Fleury come back to Pittsburgh with tears in his eyes. He witnessed Pittsburgh fans (stupidly) boo Jaromir Jagr for years. The emotional turmoil of leaving, being sold to the highest (acceptable) bidder on the trade block, or shopping the free agent market, unsure of where you’re going to live for the next few years, just doesn’t sound like Crosby’s cup of tea.

However, he must also realize, just as we all must realize, that he no longer fits. His goals and the Penguins’ goals are different, and even if he subjugated his hope to win another Stanley Cup, he’s self-aware enough to realize that his presence could delay the Penguins’ rebuild by winning enough games to be competitive but not enough to make the playoffs or be competitive beyond the first round.

There would be no tangible benefit to either side in that scenario. It’s not the first time we’ve explained this, but it’s getting more real by the day.

Read More: Kingerski: OK, Let’s Be Honest About Sidney Crosby

Dubas and Crosby’s camp have diligently kept discussions out of the media and have been public only about that goal. However, Dubas also tipped the Penguins’ hand when discussing his roster construction. As part of laying out his plans for the Penguins’ future, Dubas told reporters he wanted to acquire young players and draft picks “as urgently as possible” so those impressionable professional hockey neophytes could be influenced by Crosby and the Penguins core.

While not definitive, Friedman’s educated insights surely confirm the Penguins’ interest in Crosby staying through the transition period from “his” era to what comes next. They’ve offered the soft landing to his career in exchange for his mentorship for young players. Still, there’s only one blue-chipper in the Penguins system- Rutger McGroarty– who was the Team USA captain at the World Juniors and is eager to begin his NHL career.

The rest of the youth movement will trickle in between 2025 and 2029…and beyond. However, aside from McGroarty, there are no guarantees right now. There are no forwards nor defensemen who surely project to be able to take top-six roles beside Crosby or be impactful on the blue line.

A couple of prospects might fill that role, especially 2024 second-round picks Harrison Brunicke (defense) and Tanner Howe (winger), but it could be two to four years (or more) before either is ready to make their NHL debut.

What happens next is up to Crosby. He’s earned the right to stay, and he’s earned the right to leave. Whatever Crosby decides, it doesn’t need to sever the relationship with the Penguins organization and fans.

It just means it’s best for both parties, which is an obligation Crosby has always fulfilled.