Penguins Wrap: State of the Offseason; Rules Changes; Crosby Speaks

Finally, things in the offseason are heating up for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the rest of the NHL.

The next week figures to be even more newsworthy — maybe even to an extreme degree, depending on what the Penguins do at the draft later Saturday, what they do during the initial free agency frenzy that starts Monday, and whether team captain Sidney Crosby signs a contract extension when or soon after that becomes a possibility on Monday.

But things got going over the past week. Click the hyperlink in the sentence to read the article. Here’s the rundown:

Saturday: The finals matchup between Florida and Edmonton offered a chance to look at the legacy of Oilers star captain Connor McDavid and how that compares to Sidney Crosby’s legacy.

Sunday: With the Stanley Cup playoffs ending, speculation turned to possible contract buyouts.

His time with the Penguins didn’t illustrate Derick Brassard’s upside very well. He retired after a mostly strong career.

Monday: The clock began running on a crucial week for Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas.

The Penguins released their full preseason schedule.

Tuesday: In a Q&A, Dan Kingerski answered your questions about potential offseason moves.

Wednesday: Krissy Wendell-Pohl, a Penguins amateur scout, was named as part of the 2024 Hockey Hall of Fame class. With a switch to Fanatics as the NHL manufacturer, new Penguins jerseys were unveiled. But don’t expect them to really look different.

In offseason league news, a handful of NHL rules changes are coming for next season.

Thursday: Who are some free agent names the Penguins might want to pursue who could help without breaking the bank?

Friday: Dubas and Penguins coach Mike Sullivan met with reporters in Vegas before the draft and offered some good insight into the team and the offseason.

The Penguins didn’t have a first-round pick in the NHL draft this year, but it’s always fun to speculate on who they will select in subsequent rounds later Saturday.

It’s now looking as if former Penguins prolific winger Jake Guentzel will re-sign with Carolina.

Crosby and defenseman Erik Karlsson were among the initial players named to their national teams for next year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.

All sides are keeping mum but Crosby offered his own small bit of news regarding a contract extension and talked about playing in the 4 Nations Face-Off. The latest on Crosby’s contract.