Pittsburgh Penguins with Something to Prove and Sidney Crosby's Next Contract
Welcome to the THW Pittsburgh Penguins Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Penguins writers.
In this edition, we look at three members of the Pittsburgh Penguins organization who have something to prove after a disappointing end to the 2022-23 season, and then we look at what might happen when Sidney Crosby negotiates a new contract in the summer of 2024 and his future with the Penguins.
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Now on to the good stuff …
3 Pittsburgh Penguins with Something to Prove in 2023-24
October 9, 2023 by George Majchrzak
With the preseason wrapped up and the puck drop on the 2023-24 season this week, there is a feeling of optimism around the Pittsburgh Penguins, and with good reason. After the disappointing end to last season and the eventful 2023 offseason, Penguins’ pickups like Reilly Smith and Erik Karlsson look to re-energize the club in its quest to return to the playoffs.
With that said, there are several members of the organization who have something to prove, from captain Sidney Crosby and longtime defenseman Kris Letang to backup goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic and veteran forward Jeff Carter. But here’s a look at three other Penguins with something to prove this season.
Penguins Roster Rebuild: Predicting Sidney Crosby’s Next Contract
October 8, 2023 by Mike Cranwell
Did you see that Pittsburgh Penguins vs Buffalo Sabres game? Specifically, did you see Sidney Crosby, future Canadian National Team wrestler and consummate leader, send a message to young Peyton Krebs that high hits on star players (in this case Kris Letang) will not be tolerated this season…?
Some might say that doing this in the preseason was a waste. On the contrary! That 7-4 drubbing the Penguins handed Buffalo was a sign that the message was received. Crosby didn’t just set the tone for that night, he set the tone for this entire season.
Which leads us to this:
On July 1, 2024, the Penguins and Crosby can, for the first time since 2012, negotiate a contract. Knowing this, one can’t help but wonder…
What would Crosby look like in another team’s jersey?
Nah, this isn’t that article. Jean Beliveau only ever wore the C&H of the Canadiens. Mario Lemieux only wore the Black, White, and Gold Penguin on his chest. The greatest of all time, Wayne Gretzky, well he – ahh, never mind.
Crosby, once “the kid”, now the icon who has won three Stanley Cups (and counting?) for the Penguins, will only ever play for Pittsburgh. You heard it here first!