Superstar captain Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins still hasn't signed a contract extension with the club, and it has many wondering about his future.
Let's start by first taking a look at Penguins insider Rob Rossi's point of view, who believes that Penguins fans have absolutely nothing to worry about regarding these stalled contract talks with Crosby.
"I made a few calls to follow up, and the only real news � perhaps another subjective term � is that all parties (Crosby and his agent, Pat Brisson, and Penguins president of hockey operations/general manager Kyle Dubas) were comfortable enough with where the contract negotiations stood that everybody felt comfortable going about summer plans such as taking holidays and enjoying a bit of downtime," Rossi explained. "Nobody from the Penguins' hockey side is worried about Crosby eventually putting ink to paper. This is not to suggest some folks who deal with season-ticket holders/corporate partners aren't sweating until he does."
Last month it seemed that Crosby and the Penguins were closing in on a contract extension, however no further developments were ever revealed, so it seems like no progress was made there. Crosby is about to turn 37, and the Penguins are not a team that is expected to make a deep run in the playoffs, if they even end up making it.
Sources speak on both stars:
Penguins Q&A: What We Know About Crosby, Malkin Rumors, & Yager
There is no indication that Crosby feels he absolutely has to remain with one franchise for his entire career, and as he inches closer to retirement, he may start to ponder about joining true contenders.
August 7th is the magic number, as that's the latest Crosby has ever agreed to a contract extension in his career. If we pass that date, chances will grow higher and higher that Crosby is thinking about packing his bags and flying elsewhere next summer. Penguins fans sure don't want to lose his 1,596 points in the 1,272 games he's suited up for their team.