Multiple NHL insiders report Crosby could be leaving Pittsburgh

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Liam McCormick
July 4, 2024 (2:48 PM)

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Sidney Crosby is in the final year of his contract with the Penguins, and instead of signing on for more years of a rebuild in Pittsbrugh, he may be considering a move.

Crosby was eligible to sign a contract extension with the Penguins on July 1st, and for a hockey icon, a contract offer would've been on the table. According to Nick Kypreos, Crosby is in no rush to re-sign with Pittsburgh.

Eyebrows were raised when the Penguins did not announce a contract extension for Sidney Crosby on July 1, and there isn't one expected this week. Word is that while both sides are in conversation, there is no rush from Crosby's side. Read into that however you want.
-Nick Kypreos

The Penguins have now missed the playoffs for two straight years, and their offseason moves didn't inspire any confidence that they would be back in the playoffs next year. Sidney Crosby is still an elite player, and if the Penguins are headed toward a rebuild, could consider playing his final years elsewhere. Insider Chris Johnston speculated that Crosby wants to be back in the playoffs, and could leave Pittsburgh if he sees it isn't working out anymore.

Crosby signed a bargain of a deal for only $8.7M back in 2013, and Johnston stated that his next contract will not be a discount. He scored 42 goals and 94 points last year on a non-playoff team, so Crosby's next contract could be well over $10M for a shorter term. Johnston connected Crosby to signing with the Colorado Avalanche with his friend Nathan Mackinnon, or with his childhood favourite Montreal Canadiens.

Being a free agent at 37 years old next year, Crosby needs to decide whether he will stick to being a legacy player in a Penguins rebuild, or try to get back into the playoffs on another team. Already hesitant to sign a new contract, it looks like Crosby is leaning toward leaving Pittsburgh after 19 seasons.

Source: Nick Kypreos

Crosby in no rush to sign with Pittsburgh