The Pittsburgh Penguins: last in the *East* after *9* games.

[Erep]

I wish the stars were the issue. Would make this a lot easier to stomach.

Yep, this is what they look like before the aging curve hits the mid to late 30 year olds...

 

[Gurglesons]

Yep, this is what they look like before the aging curve hits the mid to late 30 year olds...

I mean Malkin and Sid are 36 and 37.

 

[Erep]

I mean Malkin and Sid are 36 and 37.

And they are still performing at a very high level. At some point the age will take over, and that is when the Pens get really bad.

 

[AD1066]

It depends. I think you can rebuild with Crosby. The contracts currently are staggered on the team. Crosby's ends on 2025, Malkin 2026, Letang 2027, Karlsson 2028.

I can't say this with any definitiveness but Crosby seems like one of those workaholic types that could adjust his game and play until his mid-40s. If he retires at age 43 that's 2030. Malkin and Letang will definitely not make it that long. Karlsson will likely be traded before his deal ends. I foresee us being mid-to-bad for the next three seasons. Malkin retires after 2026. Letang gets sent to Robidas Island for something. Karlsson is traded at 50% retention that summer and in 26-27 and 27-28 the Pens are Horror-bad.

Would a 43 year old Crosby mentoring a young up-and-coming 29-30 Pens squad be out of the question?

I could equally seeing Crosby retiring as soon as he can't play to his standard. Some greats would rather go out on top, or at least while still playing at a high level.