NHL insider reports that Penguins star Sidney Crosby is not interested in a long-term contract

Crosby, fresh off a stellar 42-goal, 94-point season, is reportedly hesitant to commit long-term, largely due to the Penguins' uncertain trajectory.

Sidney Crosby, the face of the Pittsburgh Penguins for nearly two decades, is showing no urgency to extend his contract. As reported by multiple insiders, including Elliotte Friedman, the 37-year-old is contemplating a shorter deal, possibly reflecting his concerns about the team's aging roster and fluctuating playoff hopes. Crosby remains in control of his next move, but the lack of clarity around the Penguins' direction appears to be influencing his decision.

The NHL is filled with elite stars heading toward free agency, including the Colorado Avalanche's Mikko Rantanen and the Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid. However, unlike these stars, Crosby's situation is far more complex. While Rantanen and McDavid lead consistent contenders, the Penguins find themselves at a crossroads. Their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017 now feel like a distant memory. With an older roster and an inconsistent playoff presence, the future is less predictable for Pittsburgh.

Though the Penguins have remained competitive, they are not the dominant force they once were. Aging stars like Crosby and long-time teammates such as Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang may struggle to keep Pittsburgh in the playoff mix. Despite Crosby's continued elite performance, his reluctance to sign an extension is a sign of the uncertainty surrounding the team's future. According to Elliotte Friedman, Crosby could be weighing his options carefully, possibly eyeing a short-term deal that gives him flexibility as the Penguins attempt to navigate these transitional years.

As Crosby remains free to sign an extension at any time, fans and analysts alike wonder whether his loyalty to Pittsburgh will endure through the team's struggles, or if he might consider one final chapter elsewhere. A short-term deal would allow him to assess the Penguins' progress while keeping the door open for other opportunities, should the team's direction not align with his career goals.

For now, the ball is firmly in Sidney Crosby's court. As Elliotte Friedman noted, wherever Crosby finishes his career, it seems increasingly likely that it will be under a short-term deal, offering the star maximum control over his next steps. Whether that path leads him to stay with the Penguins or take his talents elsewhere is a story that will continue to unfold.

Source: House of Hockey
NHL insider reveals Penguins Sidney Crosby doesn't want long-term deal

Source: NHL.com
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