Penguins Wrap: Crosby Signs; Camp Opens; Games Begin

Finally. Finally, finally, finally. Hockey is back. And Sidney Crosby will also be back after this season. He was among the dozens who opened the 2024-25 training camp with the Pittsburgh Penguins but not one of the few veterans who participated in the team’s preseason opener.

Crosby signing an extension on a day he helped make a series of annual special visits to season ticket holders came early in a week that signaled a significant stretch for the Penguins. Then he took to the ice and looked like, well, Sidney Crosby in the first few days of practices and scrimmages of a camp that figures to feature a lot of competition.

Here’s a look at the week, including news and impressions concerning players other than Crosby. Click the links to catch up:

Saturday: Before he agreed to his extension, Sidney Crosby, in an national interview, discussed the direction he sees for the Penguins and their approach to a rebuild.

Monday: After more than two months of waiting, the Penguins pulled off what so many either anticipated or speculated about. They signed a two-year extension with their captain, megastar and heartbeat, Sidney Crosby.

With training camp looming, what about further trades, depth at center, and a wildly competitive training camp? PHN looked at those things in a blog.

Tuesday: Salary cap space after a steep hometown discount, no tear-it-down rebuild — there are implications attached to Crosby’s contract extension. PHN’s Dan Kingerski took a deep dive on what the contract means.

It was a long offseason. On the eve of training camp, PHN got y0u set for the return of Penguins hockey with a look at the roster and schedule.

Wednesday: The opening of training camp always brings questions and talking points. The Penguins are holding one of their most intriguing camps in years. PHN pared things down to the three top storylines.

Kris Letang had a memorable session with reporters after he completed his first day of training camp. Of particular interest were his comments about his long-time teammate and friend, Crosby, including thoughts on Crosby’s contract extension and his potential longevity. Letang thinks Crosby can play until he’s 50!

Some highlights/news from the first day of camp included some interesting line combinations, Crosby’s check on Evgeni Malkin (PHN got it on video), and injury updates. PHN’s roundup.

Remember Matt Nieto? It’s been a long haul for the bottom-six forward. In something of a surprise, just four months after reconstructive knee surgery, one of those skating in a smaller group at training camp was none other than Nieto.

Thursday: What will it take for prospects and others in this competitive camp to avoid getting cut? Coach Mike Sullivan explains, and PHN offers an initial look at some rookies in another PHN roundup.

Remember the hit Crosby laid on long-time teammate Malkin, dumping him on his rear in front of the net, in the first camp scrimmage, the one PHN’s Dan Kingerski was alert enough to video? Crosby offered his thoughts.

Friday: Top Penguins prospect Rutger McGroarty and several other lineup hopefuls have their stalls lined up in one of the auxiliary locker rooms for camp. PHN took a look at how those prospects are faring so far.

Matt Grzelcyk opened camp alongside Letang. He’s making adjustments. Meanwhile, the speed and chaos added to the Penguins’ lineup is becoming evident. Check it all out in another PHN roundup.

Saturday: With a lineup heavily laden with prospects, the Penguins headed to Buffalo for their preseason opener. PHN offered a nice primer of the three top things to watch.

Hours before the preseason opener, the Penguins made their first roster cuts. That might seem quick, but in this case the cuts were six youngsters who were offered a great experience before being returned to their junior clubs.

It wasn’t a stellar night all round, but Jessie Puljujarvi managed to impress in the Penguins exhibition loss at Buffalo. Not so much for goaltender Joel Bomqvist. Get those details and more in a postgame analysis.