It’s way too early for panic to settle in Steel City, but the Pittsburgh Penguins might be walking a very thin tightrope. The Pens better tread carefully, because it’s Sidney Crosby whose NHL’s future is on the line. As recent reports indicate, Kyle Dubas might determine whether Crosby stays or leaves, with a key decision on another veteran.
After his 12-year, $104.4M deal expired this offseason, Crosby is entering the first season of his two-year, $17.4M extension in Pittsburgh. Obviously, his deal includes a full no-movement clause. But the 37-year-old might waive it if he believes there is a better future somewhere else in the NHL.
So far, Crosby has shown no signs of interest in playing anywhere but the City of Bridges. Still, as the Penguins continue their downward trend toward the bottom of the standings, the veteran might call it a career in Pittsburgh. The odds are still in Dubas and the Pens’ favor, but that could change at short notice.
Perhaps sooner rather than later. According to reports around the league, Crosby’s future might be directly intertwined with that of longtime teammate, Evgeni Malkin. The duo that led the Penguins to three Stanley Cups, could be looking forward to play together their entire NHL careers. But as the upcoming season is trending toward being Malkin’s final one in the Burgh, Crosby might follow suit.
Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Mullett Arena on January 22, 2024 in Tempe, Arizona.
“I’ve heard too many people that kind of know [Crosby] and know that situation that tell me that’s he’s there as long as [Malkin’s] there,” Greg Wyshynski said on The Sheet. “If Geno’s there for one more year, then all bets are off as far as where Sid ends up.”
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New goalie in town
The Penguins have been an active team in the NHL offseason, but not necessarily in hopes of bolstering the lineup. Instead, Pittsburgh has been an active seller. Settling for a rebuild, the Penguins have no rush to make risky moves. Plus, having a bad season could land them Gavin McKenna, so it’s not all too bad.
Still, Pittsburgh has recently acquired a key player from the Vancouver Canucks. Goaltender Arturs Silovs is now joining Crosby and the Penguins, after Dubas sent Chase Stillman and a 2027 fourth-round selection to the Canucks.
Start fresh
Silovs could make an immediate impact upon arrival. The 24-year-old netminder hasn’t had much opportunities in the NHL, but is coming off an MVP performance in the AHL’s Calder Cup Playoffs. Silovs’ heroics guided the Abbotsford Canucks to a championship, but ultimately Vancouver handed its vote of confidence to Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen.
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With Tristan Jarry’s recent outings being a head-scratcher for the Penguins, Silovs’ entrance could mark the beginning of a new era in net for Pittsburgh. The trade won’t magically heal the Pens, but Crosby, Malkin, and company will greatly welcome the new teammate, even if they only share one season with him.
