Are the Penguins dumping Sidney Crosby?

Crosby is set to seek a contract extension after this season, and it is widely anticipated that negotiations will revolve around an $8.7 million cap hit, continuing the theme of his iconic number 87.

Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, has recently made statements regarding the potential terms of a contract extension, with one key stipulation being his desire for a long-term commitment to the Penguins next summer.

As Sidney Crosby, starts to display signs of aging, it naturally raises the question: should the Pittsburgh Penguins re-sign Crosby to a contract extension in 2024?

While many might consider this decision a no-brainer, there are several factors that general manager Kyle Dubas must consider before making his choice. Given Crosby's age, a three-year deal would see him at 39 years old at its conclusion, suggesting that a shorter contract might be more prudent.

Should the Penguins commit $8.7 million in cap space to a player who is likely to experience a rapid decline, as most players do at that age? Alternatively, would it be wiser to engage Crosby in discussions about potentially waiving his no-move clause next year and exploring a move to a contender if Dubas feels a retool or full rebuild is needed?

This strategic move could yield valuable returns in the form of prospects and draft picks, which would benefit the team in the immediate future.

The Penguins are currently striving to keep their championship window open, but their efforts have come at the cost of numerous draft picks and prospects. Dubas has continued this trend by trading several players for Erik Karlsson in an attempt to bolster the team's defensive core.

In conclusion, while I believe that the Penguins will ultimately choose to retain Crosby and persist in their ongoing pursuit of success, it is essential to recognize that the window for winning may be closing sooner than anticipated, potentially placing the Penguins in a precarious position soon.