"He has the right to make the decision" - Top insider delivers latest on Sidney Crosby contract extension 

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Sep 07, 2024 18:30 GMT

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is entering the final year of his 12-year $104.4 million contract. The deal with an $8.7 million average annual value was signed on July 1, 2012. Crosby is now eligible to sign a new contract with the Penguins.

Last season, Crosby was impressive as he recorded 42 goals, 52 assists and finished with a +7 plus-minus in 82 games. Despite his strong performance, the Penguins missed the playoffs, falling short of the Wild Card spot by three points to the Washington Capitals.

During Friday's episode of "32 Thoughts: The Podcast," Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Penguins are not rushing Crosby to sign a new deal as he has one year left on his contract and wants to stay in Pittsburgh. Friedman also noted that the Penguins are giving Crosby time to decide.

“I think the Penguins are like, ‘this is Sidney Crosby,’” Friedman said. "'He has the right to make the decision as he sees fit,’ and they are not pressuring him.”

Friedman added that the Penguins have likely made multiple offers, including various contract lengths. The team is letting Crosby choose what he wants.

“I think they’ve made him a bunch of different offers,” Friedman said, “I think they’ve got multiple-term offers.”

Crosby will soon be on the NHL Media Tour and may try to finalize his contract before then to avoid constant questions about it. Friedman is confident that Crosby’s new deal will likely include the number 87.

Previously Sidney Crosby confirmed talks with the Penguins

In the last week of June, Sidney Crosby mentioned that he and the Pittsburgh Penguins had discussed a new contract. He was vague about the likelihood of reaching a deal this summer but confirmed ongoing discussions.

“There’s been a little bit of talk,” Crosby said, keeping the details private per NHL.com

Crosby added that he would keep specifics between himself and general manager Kyle Dubas.

"... but we’ve had some conversations. I’ll just kind of leave it at that.”

Dubas also avoided revealing details about the negotiations. However, he shared that the Penguins are focused on building a competitive team around Crosby.

This offseason, there have been several player signings and trades. Rutger McGroarty, Sergei Murashov, Brayden Yager, Harrison Brunicke and Tanner Howe all signed three-year entry-level contracts. Corey Andonovski signed a one-year deal and Sebastian Aho signed a two-year contract.

Other one-year signings include Emil Bemstrom, Blake Lizotte, Nathan Clurman, Bokondji Imama, Matt Grzelcyk, Jimmy Huntington, Anthony Beauvillier, Ryan Shea and Mac Hollowell.