We are getting close to training camp and the Captain still hasn’t signed an extension. I thought this would be resolved by now and I’m mildly surprised it hasn’t even if I totally understand why Crosby would have reservations. Here’s the latest

With Crosby eligible to sign an extension at any time, Friedman believes that the Penguins placed the ball firmly in their captain's court regarding a new contract.

"I think the Penguins are like, this is Sidney Crosby. He has the right to make a decision as he sees fit," Friedman said. "I think they've made him a bunch of different offers."

Given that the Penguins have presented Crosby with multiple offers, each with different terms, Friedman believes his decision to push back a decision may be related to the direction the Penguins are going.

It makes sense why Crosby would have some trepidation in signing. The Penguins offseason was lackluster as it pertains to the present on-ice product. They are no better than they’ve been the previous few seasons, perhaps even worse. This all comes down to what Crosby wants to do with the rest of his career. He’s hard wired in superstition and hockey culture. I can still see the path to him re-signing and maintaining his legacy of only playing for one team, which is something I think matters to him. I can also see his ultra-competitive side not wanting to bow out in mediocrity with his hockey season ending in April every year.

Whatever Sid wants to do is good with me even if I would love it if he were to stay in Pittsburgh. He’s the man. He’s done everything and then some. I think the lion’s share of Penguins fans would be disappointed, but not angry. How could anyone possibly be angry at him for doing what he wants at this stage of his career?

What I do know is the longer this goes the more fervor there will be surrounding the prospect of a trade. For example

In which I argue there is a path to a Sidney Crosby trade deadline deal, and why we shouldn’t be too quick to discount it:

Exploring the ultimate “hired gun” scenario … https://t.co/DqqTQKGAuj pic.twitter.com/VbNNWBaRun

— Travis Yost (@travisyost) September 3, 2024

For now, it is still September and camp hasn’t even started yet. Perhaps, we can get a signing before the season begins. If we get to October that is when things start to get spicy.

Thanks for reading!

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