In the grand scheme of things, all this means is Sid has decided to keep playing (in the NHL) for another 2 years, following this upcoming season. Ending any speculation, this coming year, would be the end of the line for Sid.
So, we can be sure he signed this deal with every intention to remain in Pittsburgh, but it’s not the only reason he signed it. He’s keeping the hockey media out of his daily life over the next year. The insanity by Xmas time would’ve been something like we haven’t seen before.
Whether he remains in Pittsburgh for the entire 3 years, is likely a moving needle from here on out…
No matter what anyone says this week, he’s not going to stay on a sinking ship, held together by Kyle Dubas. Especially if he sees guys like Stamkos and Kane having a blast, playing for these teams on the rise.
So whatever “feel good” things are said this week, if they have a complete garbage season in 24-25’, you watch how fast the narrative changes, regarding the rest of Sid’s career. Not everyone gets to be Sakic and Yzerman. It’s extremely rare. Like I said, I’m sure that’s the plan today, but I’m sure he’s been given assurances, they will move him, if that’s what he wants to do. Even before his new deal takes effect. Guaranteed that was discussed.
Honestly don’t know if it effects his trade value very much at all. If he leaves Pittsburgh, he’s choosing the destination. That always effects things. I’m sure whatever team he would decide to go to, would come up with fair compensation. A team would still be adding a diminishing, over 35 contract, at $8.7 million. Even if it is Sidney Crosby.
There’s just too many good young teams in the East, on top of the great teams already there. In a year or two from now, the Eastern Conference might be the strongest conference we’ve ever seen, and the Penguins will likely be towards the bottom of those standings. One reason why, there’s a good chance he does move on, and if he does, he’s probably going West, as well.
Whether that’s Vancouver, Dallas, Vegas, Colorado or Nashville, we’ll see. I’d wager it’ll be one of those five teams.
Who knows though. Maybe Pittsburgh surprises us all. Unfortunately for them to get any better, and they will try, they’re going to have to move any young assets they have. They have no choice.
At the end of the day, for all those thinking he’d never sign this deal if he was just gonna want out next summer?
Signing this new contract, is just to send the message, he’s gonna be around for 3 more years. It keeps the media frenzy from following his every move, and let’s him concentrate on hockey. Which his intention is to stay in Pittsburgh. Don’t for one minute though, think Sidney Crosby isn’t going to be that same competitor he’s always been.. That competitive nature won’t allow him just to cash out, playing on a garbage team.
There’s still a very good chance 18 months from now, Sidney Crosby’s no longer playing in Pittsburgh. I’d wager, he’ll go through this season, miss the playoffs, and after next season starts just as badly, that’s when we’ll start hearing the rumblings. Then he spends his last two playoff runs, with a Western team.
It’s all gonna depend on how the Pens performs over the next 15-16 months. If they’re competitive, he’ll stick around. Good luck on that being the case though.