<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby">Sidney Crosby</a> has seen countless talented rookies in his storied NHL career, yet the San Jose Sharks’ 19-year-old forward Macklin Celebrini has impressed the Penguins captain in a unique way. With 34 points in 24 games, Celebrini has quickly emerged as one of the league’s brightest young stars.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-jose-sharks">Sharks</a> have benefited from his breakout performance, holding an 11–9–3 record and sitting firmly in playoff contention. Beyond stats, teammates and rivals alike have noticed Celebrini’s combination of intelligence, passion, and on-ice maturity.



“His hunger, his passion for the game (and) how hard he works,” Crosby told The Athletic. “He’s an incredible player. Just his all-around game at his age is pretty impressive. He’s committed defensively. He competes hard. He’s got a pretty mature game for his age.”



<h2>How does Celebrini compare to NHL stars?</h2>



Celebrini’s 34 points in 24 games put him in the company of Connor McDavid (25 games) and trail only Nathan MacKinnon (39 points in 18 games). Scouts, executives, and fellow players are praising his attention to detail, relentless puck pursuit, and early leadership, traits rarely seen in someone so young.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251127_BUS_534705_celebrini-1_ddd940ba.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-534717"></figure><figcaption>Macklin Celebrini #71 of the Sharks in action against the Panthers. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What’s next for Celebrini and the Sharks?</h2>


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San Jose has notched multiple hat tricks and overtime winners, with Celebrini registering at least one point in every win this season. The Sharks are riding his scoring surge as they aim for the playoffs, and they will face Crosby and the Penguins again on Dec. 13 after Pittsburgh’s 3‑0 victory on Oct. 18.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="692871cce2d53b59fb2f036a" data-title="Can Macklin Celebrini sustain his breakout pace this NHL season?" data-options="4"></div>


The remainder of the season will test whether Celebrini can maintain this remarkable pace and continue to solidify his place among the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>’s elite young stars.

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Penguins' Sidney Crosby offers clear take on Sharks star Macklin Celebrini amid NHL debate - Bolavip US

Penguins' Crosby offers clear take on Sharks star Celebrini amid NHL debate

miniaturas

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-islanders">New York Islanders</a> have been riding a wave of excitement, but rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer has taken the energy to a historic level. Just months after being selected first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Schaefer is not only adjusting to the NHL but surpassing milestones set by legends like Sidney Crosby, leaving a mark that few players achieve so early in their careers.



Friday night’s contest against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/utah-mammoth">Utah Mammoth</a> was another showcase for Schaefer’s emerging talent. With the game tied in overtime, he ripped a shot off a short pass from Mathew Barzal, beating goalie Karel Vejmelka and securing the 4-3 victory. 



“I think that the second and third periods we wanted to come out hard,” Schaefer said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/new-york-islanders-utah-mammoth-november-14-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL.com</a>. “We got a great bounce there to tie us up and then we fought hard and then [Barzal] found me, it was a great game and a really hard-fought win.”



The Islanders’ win also highlights a larger story for the team. With three consecutive victories, New York currently holds the top Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference and is creeping closer to the Metropolitan Division playoff positions.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">MATTHEW SCHAEFER HAS SCORED HIS FIRST OT GOAL!! 😱 The <a href="https://twitter.com/NYIslanders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NYIslanders</a> have won three straight games in <a href="https://twitter.com/Energizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Energizer</a> overtime! <a href="https://t.co/1Tx64CWf5Q">pic.twitter.com/1Tx64CWf5Q</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1989557906543448248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>How did Schaefer make NHL history with his OT goal?</h2>



With his first overtime goal coming in his 18th game, the No. 1 pick of the 2025 NHL Draft became the youngest player in NHL history to score an overtime goal (18 years, 70 days), surpassing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby">Sidney Crosby</a>’s record of 18 years, 101 days set on Nov. 16, 2005. 


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“It’s awesome, you want to win games and I think that was a hard-fought game,” Schaefer said. “I don’t think we brought our best, but to get that win is huge to keep going on this road trip.”



<h2>How impressive is Schaefer’s rookie season so far?</h2>



Schaefer leads all NHL defensemen with seven goals this season and is on pace to break the rookie record for goals by a blueliner. The current record is 23 goals by Brian Leetch, but projections suggest Schaefer could finish with 32 if his pace continues. His performance is not just record-setting; it’s reshaping expectations for what a rookie defenseman can achieve in today’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="691894e62d286e1484d5eab7" data-title="Will Matthew Schaefer continue breaking rookie records this season?" data-options="4"></div>

NY Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer reflects on win streak, breaks Sidney Crosby OT record

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NHL News: NY Islanders' Matthew Schaefer reflects on win streak after OT goal vs Mammoth, breaks Sidney Crosby record - Bolavip US

NY Islanders' Schaefer reflects on win streak after OT goal vs Mammoth, breaks Crosby record

NHL News: NY Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer reflects on win streak after OT goal vs Mammoth, breaks Sidney Crosby record

Whoever said age was just a number must have truly influenced <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad Marchand</a>, Sidney Crosby, and Alex Ovechkin, who continue to defy Father Time in the NHL. Now, Marchand has become the newest member of the league’s 1,000-point club.



After yet another dominant showing in the 2025-26 NHL season, Marchand extended his point streak when facing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/alex-ovechkin" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ovechkin</a> and the Washington Capitals with the Florida Panthers. Most importantly, the former third-round selection recorded his 1,000th point in his 17-year career.



Though still a ways from reaching <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crosby</a> and Ovechkin atop the NHL’s active leaderboards, Marchand once again proved his worth, further cementing his name in the Hall of Fame conversation for whenever he decides to hang up the skates. At the moment, the 37-year-old veteran is playing some of the best hockey of his career, and has no intention to slow down in South Florida.



<h2>How many points had Crosby registered by the age of 37?</h2>



By the age of 37, Crosby—turned 38 on August 7th—had amassed 1,687 points in his <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> career. The former first overall selection in the 2005 Draft had recorded 625 goals and 1,062 assists. Contrary to Marchand, Crosby has scored every point of his professional career with the same team: the Pittsburgh Penguins.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251114_BUS_526372_sidney-crosby-brad-marchand-alex-ovechkin-2_c9d1a767.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-526487"></figure><figcaption>Crosby (left), Marchand (middle), and Ovechkin (right)</figcaption></figure>



Marchand, however, has done most of his work while playing for the Boston Bruins. Though his time with the Florida Panthers has been nothing short of remarkable, Marchand registers 976 points (422 goals and 556 assists) with the Bruins, while the remaining 24 have been with the Panthers. 


 

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<h2>Ovechkin’s production by the age of 37</h2>



If the word ‘timeless’ had a face, it’d probably be Ovechkin’s. The Capitals captain has been as lethal as ever well into the twilight of his career. When most players start planning the next stage of their lives, Ovechkin only had time to chase down NHL records.



By the age of 37, Ovechkin hadn’t broken the all-time goals record—held by Wayne Gretzky at 894 goals—nor had he cut the ribbon on the 900-goal club, but his resume was still one few players in league history could compete with. At 37, Ovechkin had scored 1,485 points, thanks to his 822 goals and 663 assists.

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Brad Marchand reaches 1,000 NHL points: How many had Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin scored at his age? - Bolavip US

Marchand reaches 1,000 NHL points: How many had Crosby and Ovechkin scored at his age?

It wasn’t always pretty for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidney Crosby</a>, Mike Sullivan, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, after hoisting two Stanley Cups in the NHL, many would’ve thought the highs far outweighed the lows. However, a teammate of “Sid the Kid” might have a different point of view.



Erik Karlsson wasn’t around in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pittsburgh</a> during the Penguins’ glory days. Insteae, since arriving in The City of Bridges, the Swedish defenseman endured some rough times. As a result, he doesn’t hold the same level of respect for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sullivan</a>, than others like Crosby do.



At least, that is what fans all around the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> are now under the impression of. With his latest comment on the Pens’ hot start to the season under debuting head coach Dan Muse, Karlsson made sure to take a shot on the bench-boss that led Pittsburgh on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">back-to-back Stanley Cup runs</a>.



“You do the things that you’re good at, and not the things that someone tells you to do, that you can’t do,” Erik Karlsson admitted about the Penguins’ early success, via The Athletic’s Josh Yohe.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251110_BUS_523700_GettyImages-2199493326-Bolavip-1-1024x576_5281cc4c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Head coach Mike Sullivan of Team USA" class="wp-image-341358" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Head coach Mike Sullivan of Team USA in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Waddling to the top</h2>



With Muse behind the bench, the Penguins are looking like a whole new team in the NHL. Coming off a preseason where most experts projected them to be locked away in the league’s basement (they could still wind up at the bottom, though), the Pens are thriving.


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If the Stanley Cup Playoffs were to start today, Pittsburgh would make the postseason. It’s a very long road to the playoffs, but Crosby and company have far exceeded expectations so far.



The Penguins aren’t hanging any medals around their necks, however. The job isn’t finished. If anything, it’s only getting starter. As long as Crosby is still putting on the skates at PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh’s goal is to win the Stanley Cup. Whether it’s realistic or not, fans in The Burgh don’t care. If. Crosby continues to defy all odds and Father Time, then there is no reason for the Pens not to try their own&nbsp;luck&nbsp;as&nbsp;well.

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NHL News: Sidney Crosby teammate throws dirt on former Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan with vivid confession - Bolavip US

Crosby teammate throws dirt on former Penguins HC Sullivan

In the NHL, there is no such thing as a friendly match. Philippe Myers learned just that as he clashed with Pittsburgh Penguins captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidney Crosby</a> during his latest outing alongside Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Once the game ended, the defenseman set the record straight on the heated moment.



A third-period resurgence was enough for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/auston-matthews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthews</a> and the Maple Leafs to rally back from down 3-0 and secure a crucial 4-3 win in regulation over the Penguins. As Crosby and the Pens pushed for an equalizer late in the game, the NHL’s active points leader came across Myers, leading to a tense moment.



Scrambling for a loose puck in front of Anthony Stolarz’s net, Crosby poked around until he found an opening. But sensing an intruder in a dangerous area of the ice for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toronto</a>, Myers turned and delivered a high cross-check to Crosby. However, once the New Brunswick–native defenseman realized he’d just hit Canadian hockey royalty, he had second thoughts.



“I was just stopping him from getting to our goalie and I caught him in the face. I saw it was Sid and I was like (expletive). I idolized him growing up and it’s an honor to be on the ice with him,” Myers admitted after the game, via TSN’s Mark Masters.



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Philippe Myers on catching Sidney Crosby up high last night: "I was just stopping him from getting to our goalie &amp; I caught him in the face. I saw it was Sid I was like, &apos;F–k&apos; … I kind of idolized him growing up &amp; it&apos;s an honour to be on the ice with him"<a href="https://twitter.com/BarDown?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BarDown</a> <a href="https://t.co/qgKhmNomYF">pic.twitter.com/qgKhmNomYF</a>— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/1985816478759993724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2025</a></blockquote></div> 



<h2>What they pay them for</h2>



It hasn’t always been pretty for the Maple Leafs in the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season—nor for their top line. Featuring the three biggest contracts on the roster, fans naturally expect plenty from the trio of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Matthew Knies. 


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However, the group hasn’t had much luck to start the campaign. But with a statement performance against Crosby and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penguins</a>’ top unit, it looks like Toronto’s number one line has found its footing.



Matthews, Nylander, and Knies were involved in three of the Maple Leafs’ four goals against the Penguins. When the Buds needed their stars most, they rose to the occasion—combining for three tallies in under four minutes. 



<h2>Riding the wave</h2>



Nylander earned first-star honors, finishing the night with two goals and an assist while extending his point streak to seven games, totaling 14 points over that span. Matthews added a goal and an assist, building a two-game point streak he’ll look to keep alive as the NHL season rolls on. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251104_BUS_521163_auston-matthews-2-1-1024x576_8054fd4a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Auston Matthews warming up before a game" class="wp-image-513391" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Montreal Canadiens</figcaption></figure>



As for Knies—who signed a six-year, $46.5 million deal with Toronto this offseason—the young forward chipped in an assist to stretch his point streak to five games, amassing eight points in that stretch.



Although point streaks are always encouraging to see, all fans truly care about is winning. The Maple Leafs have now won two games in a row and have a prime opportunity to keep the fire burning. It may be early in the NHL season, but now is as good a time as any for Toronto to cement its spot atop the Atlantic Division standings. With divisional opponents facing major setbacks across the board, Toronto has its fair share of adversity brewing—but nothing Matthews and company don’t believe they can handle.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="690a88ce9aa011c75538d4e0" data-title="Who will win the Atlantic Division?" data-options="8"></div>

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NHL News: Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs teammate makes something clear to Sidney Crosby after in-game incident - Bolavip US

Matthews’ Maple Leafs teammate makes something clear to Crosby after in-game incident

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby">Sidney Crosby</a> showcased why he remains one of the NHL’s all-time greats, recording a goal and two assists to surpass 1,700 career points during the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Monday. The milestone makes Crosby the ninth player in NHL history to reach 1,700 points, joining legends like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Wayne Gretzky</a>, Jaromir Jagr, and Mario Lemieux.



Crosby now has 1,701 points (632 goals, 1,069 assists) through 1,362 games, ranking as the fourth-fastest player to reach the mark behind Gretzky, Lemieux, and Marcel Dionne. His achievement comes during a strong start to the season for Pittsburgh, who improved to 7-2-1 and remain unbeaten in its last six games at 5-0-1.



“Joining that company, those are players I grew up idolizing. I didn’t ever think I’d be with them or near them,” Crosby said, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/st-louis-blues-pittsburgh-penguins-game-recap-october-27-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">NHL.com</a>. “It’s something I’m grateful for, that I’ve been able to play this long and be part of that group.”



<h2>How did Crosby help secure the win?</h2>



The Penguins got off to a fast start, scoring on their first two shots of the game within 16 seconds. Bryan Rust and Anthony Mantha tallied quick goals to put Pittsburgh up 2-0 before the Blues began to respond. Nick Bjugstad and Jordan Kyrou helped St. Louis tie the game 2-2, but Crosby set up Parker Wotherspoon on a delayed penalty snap shot to regain the lead at 3-2 in the second period.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">1,700 POINTS FOR SIDNEY CROSBY 🪄⭐ <a href="https://t.co/pxg9D7RBPp">pic.twitter.com/pxg9D7RBPp</a>— NHL (@NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1982976470478623209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Crosby also earned the secondary assist on Rust’s early third-period goal, marking the point that officially pushed him past 1,700. He then scored his own goal on a rebound later in the period to make it 5-3, before Evgeni Malkin added an empty-net goal to seal the 6-3 victory.


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“To be part of I don’t know how many (of Crosby’s points), obviously not all of them, but to be part of some of them has been really cool,” Rust said. “And to get the goal on 1,700 is really cool and something I’m going to remember.”



<h2>What’s next for the Penguins after Crosby’s milestone?</h2>



Crosby now has 1,902 total points combining regular season and playoffs, seventh-most in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> history, and has recorded 498 multipoint games, the most in Penguins history. Pittsburgh is off to its best 10-game start since 2016-17, and the team will look to maintain momentum as it faces upcoming divisional rivals.


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Penguins' Sidney Crosby breaks silence after reaching 1,700 NHL points, joining legends Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux - Bolavip US

Penguins' Crosby breaks silence after reaching 1,700 NHL points, joining legends Gretzky, Lemieux

With much speculation around Sidney Crosby and the aging core of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice dropped a strong comment that may signal great news for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad Marchand</a> and company. Of course, it didn’t take long before the message made waves around the NHL.



Although <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crosby</a> and the Penguins are clearly overperforming in the 2025–26 NHL season, many around the league remain skeptical. For some, the hot start to the campaign is only a mirage—an oasis in the desert that is soon to engulf the City of Bridges. However, the Pens are putting up a fight. It might be up to Marchand and the Panthers to deliver a crushing loss in hopes of sending them into a spiral.



Once that happens, then it might only be a matter of time before three-time Stanley Cup champion Evgeni Malkin asks out of the organization. As reported league-wide, joining Maurice and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> make lots of sense for the Russian star. On that note, Maurice’s latest comment on Malkin may have a (not-so) hidden meaning.



“I was amazed by how hard he worked,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/paul-maurice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maurice</a> admitted about Malkin, via reporter Rob Darragh on X. “How hard he worked in practice, he drove hard to be a great performer. He wanted to win, he wanted to score goals, and he wanted to drive.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251023_BUS_514400_evgeni-malkin-1024x576_01eb4645.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-514439" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Evgeni Malkin at PPG PAINTS Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>A match made in Magnitogorsk</h2>



Though sometimes forgotten, Maurice coached in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) during the 2012-13 season. During that time, he stood behind the bench as Malkin played for him on the Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Now, 13 years later, their paths could cross once again, this time in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>.


 

 

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Judging by Maurice’s statement, Malkin embodies everything the Panthers stand for. Moreover, after last season’s trade for Marchand, adding another veteran with Stanley Cup Playoffs experience seems like a smart move for the Cats. 



<h2>A ways to go</h2>



Of course, there’s work to be done for the Panthers to absorb the 39-year-old’s $6.1 million cap hit. Many pieces must fall into place for the trade to happen. First and foremost, both the Penguins and Malkin must be willing to engage in discussions with Florida. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251023_BUS_514400_brad-marchand-7-1024x576_5b2e678f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-513741" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Brad Marchand cries during his return to TD Garden</figcaption></figure>



Malkin’s deal includes a full no-movement clause, so it will ultimately come down to his decision on whether to skip town or stay in The Burgh to play out an entire—most likely farewell—season with Crosby. Additionally, the Pens will most likely need to retain some of the cap hit for the Cats to acquire Malkin while remaining salary cap compliant. 



Finally, the move will probably happen as a rental. For that to occur, Florida must be in a position to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In the midst of an injury-riddled campaign, that is no longer a certainty in Sunrise. There’s work to do for everyone involved, and imagining trade scenarios between Malkin and the Panthers is still a long way off.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68fa8fb090f494b407d213a7" data-title="If Malkin was to be traded, where would he fit the best?" data-options="5"></div>

Paul Maurice fuels buzz around potential teammate of Brad Marchand, Panthers with bold message on Sidney Crosby’s sidekick

Brad Marchand sets record straight on feelings for Panthers, Bruins after emotional return to TD Garden

NHL News: Brad Marchand makes big admission about potential return to Bruins after trade to Panthers

Paul Maurice fuels buzz around potential teammate of Brad Marchand, Panthers with bold message on Sidney Crosby’s sidekick - Bolavip US

Maurice fuels buzz around Marchand, Panthers with bold message on Crosby’s sidekick

The Pittsburgh Penguins are off to an electrifying start in the 2025-26 NHL season, and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby">Sidney Crosby</a> has been at the heart of it. The 38-year-old star added another goal and assist in a 5-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night at PPG Paints Arena, further cementing his legacy as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer in both regular-season and playoff play.



After seven games, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins">Penguins</a> sit at 5-2, tied for the top of the Eastern Conference. Their balanced offense, led by Crosby, has made them one of the league’s early surprises, showing adaptability and resilience in every contest.



Crosby acknowledged the team’s collective effort, noting how small adjustments and varied strategies have contributed to their success. “I don’t know if it’s been one consistent thing. I think that we’ve found different ways to win, and that’s how you have to do it,” he said, according to&nbsp;team reporter Michelle Crechiolo.&nbsp;



<h2>What’s fueling the Penguins’ early success?</h2>



Beyond Crosby, Kris Letang hit career milestones with his 599th and 600th assists, solidifying his status among elite NHL defensemen. “From the beginning, I always said to people, I didn’t think I would get here,” Letang admitted, according to <a href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/vancouver-canucks-pittsburgh-penguins-game-recap-october-21-2025-x9296" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">NHL.com</a>. “It’s just pretty surreal for me to get to that point. … I was just happy to be a hockey player. I think it’s just cool to have those.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251023_BUS_514044_sidney-crosby-penguins-1024x576_bbe85637.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-514054" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>&nbsp;Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins is congratulated by teammates. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Crosby’s leadership and Letang’s consistency have combined to create a team that looks vastly different from last season’s Penguins. Their blend of experience and youthful energy is driving their early success, giving Pittsburgh fans plenty of reason for optimism.


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<h2>Can the Penguins sustain their early-season momentum?</h2>



The Penguins will look to maintain their momentum when they travel to Florida on Thursday to face the defending champion Panthers, testing whether this early-season form can hold up against one of the league’s top squads.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68fa311090f494b407d2139b" data-title="Who is driving the Penguins’ strong start this season?" data-options="3"></div>

NHL News: Sidney Crosby reveals what’s fueling Penguins’ strong season start

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NHL News: Sidney Crosby reveals what's fueling Penguins' strong season start - Bolavip US

Sidney Crosby reveals what's fueling Penguins' strong season start

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a> continue to navigate the early season with mixed results, dropping to 2-2-0 after a narrow 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. Despite the setback, one highlight shone brightly for Pittsburgh fans: <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby">Sidney Crosby</a> added another milestone to his legendary career.



In the first period against Anaheim, Crosby set up Ryan Shea, who found Rickard Rakell for a goal, marking Crosby’s second assist of the season and the 1,065th of his NHL career. This achievement moves him past Steve Yzerman, placing Crosby ninth all-time in career assists. He added a second assist later in the game, tying the contest and further cementing his legacy.



Crosby, the face of the Penguins franchise for nearly two decades, continues to demonstrate why he remains one of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>’s premier players. His consistent performance and leadership make him a central figure as Pittsburgh aims to climb the standings.



<h2>How far can Crosby climb the all-time assists leaderboard?</h2>



With three assists already this season, Crosby sits just 14 behind Adam Oates for eighth and 44 behind Joe Thornton for seventh. If he maintains his production and health, surpassing both this year is well within reach. Of course, eclipsing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/wayne-gretzky">Wayne Gretzky</a>’s all-time record of 1,963 assists remains a distant goal, requiring another 899 helpers.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="500" height="758" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251015_BUS_509696_sidney_3af68028.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=758" alt="" class="wp-image-509697" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Milestones beyond assists: points and franchise history</h2>



Crosby is also ninth all-time in career points and averaging over 90 points per season in recent years. With four points already this season, he could realistically add another 86, moving him past Mario Lemieux to become the Penguins’ all-time leading scorer while climbing into sixth on the NHL points list.


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The next opportunity for Crosby to extend his numbers comes Thursday, when the Penguins face the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-kings">Los Angeles Kings</a> on the road. Every game adds to the potential for more milestones, keeping fans and analysts alike riveted to his historic career.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68efbd28370f2f9346100c3e" data-title="Can Sidney Crosby reach the top five in NHL all-time assists this season?" data-options="3"></div>

Penguins star Sidney Crosby continues climb, adds another milestone to legendary NHL career

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Penguins star Sidney Crosby continues climb, adds another milestone to legendary NHL career - Bolavip US

Penguins star Crosby continues climb, adds another milestone to legendary NHL career

A new NHL season is underway, and several teams are looking to improve on last year’s performance. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby">Sidney Crosby</a>’s Pittsburgh Penguins are among the teams expected to make some noise, despite suffering their second loss of the campaign yesterday against the Anaheim Ducks.



The West Coast trip didn’t end on a high note for Dan Muse’s team, even though the game turned out to be more evenly matched than expected. Still, one key detail proved to be the X-factor that ultimately tipped the scales in favor of the home team.



Crosby — one of the team’s biggest stars and the player carrying much of the hope for a strong season — shared his thoughts after the game, pointing out what he believed was the key factor in the loss.



“We had a good start and then it ends up being 2-2,” Sidney Crosby said via NHL.com. “Special teams are going to be big and they were the difference tonight.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251015_BUS_509666_pittsburgh-penguins-1024x576_56c9d317.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Pittsburgh Penguins" class="wp-image-509695" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Tommy Novak #18 of the Pittsburgh Penguins.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>The start of a new dream</h2>



The Pittsburgh Penguins, currently sitting at a 2-2 record to start the young <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season, are clinging to a cautious optimism that this year will mark a significant improvement over last season’s disappointing run. 


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With the legendary core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang still driving the team, the narrative in Pittsburgh has shifted from Cup contention to simply getting back into the playoff picture after missing the postseason for a third straight year. 



The hope is that new coaching and the continued excellence of their future Hall of Famers—along with contributions from younger players and offseason acquisitions—will be enough to push the veteran squad above the .500 mark and prove the “re-tool” is working before the Metropolitan Division race truly heats up.



<h2>What’s next for the Penguins?</h2>



With their sights set on securing a third win of the season, here are the upcoming challenges the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins">Penguins</a> will face as they look to solidify themselves as contenders in the Metropolitan Division.



<ul><li>vs Los Angeles Kings, October 16</li><li>vs San Jose Sharks, October 18</li><li>vs Vancouver Canucks, October 21</li><li>vs Florida Panthers, October 23</li><li>vs Columbus Blue Jackets, October 25</li></ul>

NHL News: Sidney Crosby suggests what prevented the Penguins from defeating the Ducks

NHL News: Sidney Crosby suggests what prevented the Penguins from defeating the Ducks - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad Marchand</a> and the Florida Panthers did just fine in their first NHL game without Aleksander Barkov. However, the climb will only become steeper. Even the reigning Stanley Cup champions need reinforcements. On that note, Sidney Crosby’s star teammate could be the answer.



Marchand and the Panthers need to look strong in times of great adversity. With Matthew Tkachuk and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/aleksander-barkov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aleksander Barkov</a> out for a long stretch of the 2025-26 NHL season, the Cats know there is a target on their backs. The rest of the league will be coming for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins">back-to-back champs</a>.



The last thing Florida can afford right now is to show weakness. It might be time to make a bold move in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a>. That’s certainly an area of expertise for GM Bill Zito and the brass in Sunrise.



Amid uncertain days in Pittsburgh, Penguins captain <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidney Crosby</a> makes it clear he is in The Burgh to stay. However, his iconic duo, Evgeni Malkin, might be on a different state of mind. If the reigning champions were to come knocking on the door of the Pens (projected to be a lottery draft team in the NHL), who’s to say what Malkin’s answer will be?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251009_BUS_505930_evgeni-malkin-1-1024x576_b1a64689.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Evgeni Malkin arrives at MSG" class="wp-image-505974" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Evgeni Malkin at Madison Square Garden on October 07, 2025 in New York City. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Time to hunt</h2>



“The growing narrative in the league right now with Barkov going out and Malkin having a house in Miami, that they’ll probably find a way for him to be the 1C in Florida before too long,” as reported by Greg Wyshynski on Halford and Brough in the Morning.


 

 

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The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers</a> aren’t going to stand with their arms crossed wondering how they might look with Malkin in town. Similarly to last season’s trade for Marchand, the Cats may be ready to dive into the water and see how real is the prospect of Malkin moving down to Broward County.



<h2>#87 is a different question</h2>



While Malkin may be open to the possibility of skipping town in the City of Bridges, all signs indicate Crosby isn’t wavering in his commitment, whatsoever. They are in different situations, though. 



Malkin is entering the final season of his four-year, $24.4 million deal, and it’s expected to be his farewell campaign in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Crosby is only entering the first campaign of his two-year, $17.4 million extension.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251009_BUS_505930_aleksander-barkov-1024x576_e30ad662.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Aleksander Barkov during media availability" class="wp-image-498379" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Aleksander Barkov at Rogers Place on June 03, 2025 in Edmonton, Alberta. </figcaption></figure>



“Everyone around Sid wants him to leave, Sid doesn’t want to leave, and that’s kind of where we are with it right now,” insider Greg Wyshynski added on the situation around Crosby and the Penguins.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="68e7f63f370f2f9346100b9c" data-title="If Florida trades for Malkin, in which line should he play?" data-options="4"></div>

NHL News: Panthers will reportedly try to help Brad Marchand with Sidney Crosby partner to replace Aleksander Barkov

Brad Marchand’s net worth: ​How much fortune does the Florida Panthers left winger  have?

NHL News: Mike Sullivan issues bold message on NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller after loss to Sidney Crosby’s Penguins

NHL News: Panthers will reportedly try to help Brad Marchand with Sidney Crosby partner to replace Aleksander Barkov - Bolavip US

Panthers reportedly trying to help Marchand with Crosby partner to replace Barkov

Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins had the final laugh over <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mike Sullivan</a> and the New York Rangers in the opening game of the 2025-26 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season. Following the defeat, the new head coach in NYC voiced a clear statement about captain J.T. Miller.



The Rangers couldn’t give their new coach a debut win over his former club in the NHL. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crosby</a> and the Penguins walked into Madison Square Garden and played spoiler on the opening night for fans in The Big Apple.



Not only did the Penguins defeat the Broadway Blueshirts, they handed them a deflating shutout loss. Debuting new goalie Arturs Silovs shut the door and kept all 25 shots he faced out of the net during the showdown in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York</a>.



<h2>Concerns around the captain</h2>



However, a bigger reason for concern in New York was Miller’s debut as captain, as the veteran looked out of rhythm. Now, Sullivan delivered a sincere statement on Miller’s performance against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penguins</a> in the opening night of the 2025-26 NHL campaign.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251008_BUS_505578_miller-1024x576_1db37b9c.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="J.T. Miller" class="wp-image-500865" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>J.T. Miller #8 of the New York Rangers skates against the New York Islanders.</figcaption></figure>



“We’re gonna have to take it day by day. Obviously, J.T. missed a fair amount of training camp, as did [Artemi Panarin]. So, those two guys are jumping on a moving train,” Sullivan admitted, via The Athletic’s Vince Mercogliano. 


 

 

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“When you miss that much time, it’s not easy to jump back into an NHL game at NHL pace, even from a conditioning standpoint. I think those guys will get better with every game they play. I think they’ll get better with timing and reads and all of those things. We’ll take each day as it comes, and we’ll try to manage it accordingly.”



<h2>Miller’s outing by the numbers</h2>



The former Vancouver Canucks forward had a very quiet night, which ironically led to much noise around him. Miller finished the night with 18:18 minutes of ice time in 24 shifts. However, he registered no shots on goal and recorded a plus/minus of -2. It’s Miller’s first game with a +/- of -2 and 0 SOG since January 16, 2025. Back then, Miller was still a Canuck.



<h2>Journey’s only just begun</h2>



While a disappointing start to the new season, Sullivan and the Rangers can’t let this defeat become bigger than it has to be. It’s time to put the loss behind them and focus on what’s next in the schedule. For Sullivan, bouncing back is key—nay, it’s imperative.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251008_BUS_505578_mike-sullivan-4-1024x576_63737017.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Mike Sullivan" class="wp-image-498194" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Mike Sullivan of the New York Rangers during a preseason game</figcaption></figure>



“I think my first observation is, we got a long way to go to become the team we want to become,” Sullivan said postgame, per NHL.com. “I thought we had moments in the game where we were playing the game that we envisioned, but it’s not nearly consistently enough.”


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Next in New York’s schedule is a trip to the Niagara Falls to take on the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on October 9. If the loss to Crosby and the Penguins still doesn’t feel right with Sullivan, the Blueshirts will get the chance to avenge it when they visit the Pens at PPG Paints Arena on October 11.

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NHL News: Mike Sullivan issues bold message on NY Rangers captain J.T. Miller after loss to Sidney Crosby’s Penguins - Bolavip US

Sullivan issues bold message on NY Rangers captain Miller after loss to Crosby’s Penguins

There is nothing like having a familiar face when transitioning to new surroundings. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mike Sullivan</a> made sure to sign a two-time <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stanley-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stanley Cup</a> champion he coached before, for his debut with the New York Rangers in the 2025-26 NHL season. As Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins visit The Big Apple, they might face a former teammate.



After a deflating 2024-25 NHL campaign, former teammate of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crosby</a> in Pittsburgh, Conor Sheary wants to showcase his worth in the city where dreams are made. He definitely passed the eye-test during his professional tryout (PTO) with Sullivan’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rangers</a>, as he is earned himself a contract.



“Conor Sheary signs a one-year deal with the New York Rangers, converting his PTO into a job,” as stated by insider Chris Johnston on X (formerly Twitter).



<h2>Bare minimum</h2>



Sullivan and the Rangers signed Sheary to a league minimum deal at one-year, $775,000. While far from breaking the piggy bank, the deal gives Sheary a chance to redeem himself after spending most of last season in the AHL.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251006_BUS_504214_conor-sheary-1024x576_39a5328f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-476127" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Conor Sheary hoists the Stanley Cup</figcaption></figure>



After appearing in 57 games during the 2023–24 campaign with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Sheary played just five NHL outings the following season. However, reuniting with Sullivan—who coached him and Crosby to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">back-to-back Stanley Cups</a> in Pittsburgh—might be just what the 33-year-old needs to revive his career in the majors.


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<h2>All the emotions</h2>



Sheary signed a two-way contract, meaning he can be moved up and down the organization throughout the season. Most likely, he will start with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack but could occasionally make his way onto the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> lineup. 



Being on the ice at Madison Square Garden for the season opener against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penguins</a> would have been a very special moment for Sheary—his first league appearance since February 6 and only his second in 2025—facing many familiar faces on the visiting team’s bench.

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Mike Sullivan welcomes former 2x Stanley Cup-winning disciple to Rangers ahead of season debut vs Sidney Crosby, Penguins - Bolavip US

Sullivan welcomes 2x Stanley Cup-winning disciple to Rangers ahead of debut vs Crosby, Penguins

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-bedard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Bedard</a> and the Chicago Blackhawks are making the final adjustments to their roster for the 2025-26 NHL season. Now, a former teammate of Sidney Crosby on the Pittsburgh Penguins has earned a contract after a tryout period in the Windy City.



Matt Grzelcyk has finally signed a contract for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHL</a> season after becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer. The former <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penguins</a>’ defenseman is now joining Bedard and the Blackhawks for the upcoming campaign.



After joining <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-blackhawks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chicago</a> on a professional tryout contract (PTO) during training camp, Grzelcyk has now signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Blackhawks.



<h2>Pay cut</h2>



Coming off a 40-point season (1G, 39A) with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/sidney-crosby" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crosby</a> and the Penguins, signing a 1×1 contract may not be what Grzelcyk envisioned when testing the open market. However, with only days to go before opening night, he settled for less money to play alongside Bedard and the rejuvenated Hawks.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251005_BUS_503750_matt-grzelcyk-1024x576_bdba5981.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-503775" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Matt Grzelcyk with the Pittsburgh Penguins</figcaption></figure>



Last year, Grzelcyk had signed a one-year contract with the Penguins carrying a cap hit of $2.75 million. Now, his pay check has been greatly reduced, but the 31-year-old blueliner is excited for his new chapter in Chi-town.


 

 

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<h2>Work in progress</h2>



While the Blackhawks are fully embracing the new wave of talents coming up in Chi-city, head coach Jeff Blashill acknowledges some may need more time to develop. On that note, the organization announced moves involving a trio of youngsters.



“Blackhawks have sent Oliver Moore, Ryan Greene and Nolan Allan to Rockford,” as reported by beat reporter Ben Pope. Moore (20), Greene (21), and Allan (22) will all get time to further grow in the AHL, before being called back up to the NHL level.

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