Penguins Rumors: Contract Talks With Sidney Crosby "Intensifying"

Contract talks between Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins are intensifying, with both sides expected to ramp up negotiations during the NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, New York, according to Rob Rossi of The Athletic.

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas and Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, are proceeding with the expectation that Crosby's new contract will be finalized this summer, potentially aligning with the start of the next league year on July 1. 

7 years ago today, this goal by Sidney Crosby changed the series. It was a get on my back kind of moment.

The Penguins lost this game, but the look on Sid’s face said it all. He dominated game 5 and the Penguins won in game 6 to win their second straight Stanley Cup. pic.twitter.com/PF5gahBmkF

— The Sidney Crosby Archives (@87crosbycareer) June 5, 2024

Securing Crosby’s future with the team is a top priority for the Penguins, as his leadership and performance remain pivotal to their success.

Crosby, who has spent his entire career with the Penguins since being drafted first overall in 2005, is not necessarily seeking his final NHL contract. He might opt for a shorter-term deal than in the past, with a higher cap hit than his previous $8.7 million per year, as noted by Rossi.

Today in @penguins History: June 4, 2009 - Down 2-1 in the series & Game 4, the #LetsGoPens 🚨🚨🚨 in a span of 5:37 in the 2nd & Sidney Crosby 🚨 the GWG to beat the #LGRW, 4-2, to even the Stanley Cup Final.@emalkin71geno, Staal & @Kennedy4848 also 🚨.pic.twitter.com/xRRrsUrlyL

— PenguinsChronicles (@PensChronicles) June 4, 2024

The new contract will take effect in the 2025-26 season, by which time the Penguins are projected to have considerably more cap space due to the expected rise in the salary cap and the potential retirement of Evgeni Malkin. This financial flexibility makes accommodating Crosby’s contract more feasible for the team’s long-term strategy.

The Penguins currently have $12.9 million in available salary-cap space for the upcoming season and need to fill several roster spots.

Even at 36-years-old, Crosby's dominance still continued this season, racking up 42 goals and 52 assists for 94 total points across 82 games played, his highest point total since the 2018-19 season.

Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports