Weekes: Weekes stirring up Pittsburgh rumors?

[Empoleon8771]

I agree with this take actually. He could still clearly contribute to a contender but is just done playing meaningful games I guess. Hurts his legacy in a way, you can’t just nope out of wanting to win for several years when it suits you and not expect it to harm your reputation.

This is where Ovi will start to gain ground on him ironically- he is not only chasing down a major record but leading a very strong club. People will remember him as playing on a top team as a top player to the very end. Crosby not so much.

Literally zero people will care that Ovi will be retiring from a good team while Crosby will be retiring on a bad team.

Not only that, but the Capitals have been good this year. They weren't good last year, where they snuck into the playoffs as a #8 seed with a -37 goal differential and got pantsed in round 1. Nor were they good 2 years ago, where they finished with 80 points in 82 games and missed the playoffs by 12 points. It's a huge jump to assume they'll be a "good team" when Ovi retires, when they could easily just be another 2023-2024 Canucks flash in the pan.

 

[VeteranPresence]

It literally does nothing to hurt his legacy. He has 3 Cup wins and is challenging to break Gretzky’s record for most seasons in a row with at least a point per game, while chasing down the top 10 scorers of all time.

But he could do those things on a winner, what does that have to do with the Pens?

If anything, it’s a great story about yet another all time great athlete who loves playing sports in Pittsburgh.

This isn't the Pittsburgh Hockey League though, it's the NHL. And Crosby will play out his remaining best years on a team that he knows darn well isn't going anywhere. It's just a sad ending for a very good player, and will hurt how his overall career is viewed by future generations.

 

[Empoleon8771]

But he could do those things on a winner, what does that have to do with the Pens?



This isn't the Pittsburgh Hockey League though, it's the NHL. And Crosby will play out his remaining best years on a team that he knows darn well isn't going anywhere. It's just a sad ending for a very good player, and will hurt how his overall career is viewed by future generations.

Does Lemieux playing for the 2000-2006 Penguins hurt how his career is viewed by future generations? No because literally no one cares.

 

[Turin]

But he could do those things on a winner, what does that have to do with the Pens?



This isn't the Pittsburgh Hockey League though, it's the NHL. And Crosby will play out his remaining best years on a team that he knows darn well isn't going anywhere. It's just a sad ending for a very good player, and will hurt how his overall career is viewed by future generations.

No it won't. Nobody is mad at Lemieux for retiring on the 2006 Penguins.

 

[PenguinSuitedUp]

But he could do those things on a winner, what does that have to do with the Pens?



This isn't the Pittsburgh Hockey League though, it's the NHL. And Crosby will play out his remaining best years on a team that he knows darn well isn't going anywhere. It's just a sad ending for a very good player, and will hurt how his overall career is viewed by future generations.

Family, friendship, and loyalty are all values that Crosby puts ahead of a fourth Stanley Cup, which would be meaningless to him without the guys he has played his whole career with.

There is a lot more meaning in this for a player of Crosby’s stature to finish his career with the team he grew with than being a mercenary player who just cares about winning. He has built a family and is at the core of what it means to play in the city and for the team. It means more for him to finish his career with the family he has built here and on the team he obtained all of his achievements with than to demand a trade to play for a contender. This has all been communicated by him and the team and the legitimately knowledgeable professionals in the sport.

 

[VeteranPresence]

Does Lemieux playing for the 2000-2006 Penguins hurt how his career is viewed by future generations? No because literally no one cares.

Yes, because he could've won more Cups and carved out a greater place for himself in history. He also could've offered himself up as a rental on several occasions. and helped the Pens acquire more assets which would have helped them exit their rebuild even faster. Instead, his career basically ended in 2001 and the remaining years were pretty tragic to watch. Again, it can't not hurt a player's career in retrospect.

 

[Empoleon8771]

There is honestly nothing else that Crosby can realistically do to improve his legacy beyond just playing for longer and finishing higher up in the total points list. He has basically just done everything there is to do for a NHL forward, outside of winning a Selke. He has won multiple of pretty much every single major award, has both international and team success and defining moments and is already top-20 in both goals and points.

Pretty much all he can do to improve his legacy at this point is play long enough to hit 700 goals (putting him in the top-10) and 1800 points (putting him in the top-5). He needs 94 goals and 152 points to do that, so he could do that if he's playing in 3 more seasons. Beyond that, there is pretty much nothing else he can do to improve his legacy that he hasn't already accomplished. Whether he has 3 cups or 4 cups won't make a difference.

Yes, because he could've won more Cups and carved out a greater place for himself in history. He also could've offered himself up as a rental on several occasions. and helped the Pens acquire more assets which would have helped them exit their rebuild even faster. Instead, his career basically ended in 2001 and the remaining years were pretty tragic to watch. Again, it can't not hurt a player's career in retrospect.

See, the correct answer to that question is no because no one cares that Lemieux did that. You saying you care doesn't matter when everyone else doesn't.

 

[Nakawick]

Mittlestadt for one of their wingers as a base.

Rakell. Maybe Colorado wants two O’Connors.

Crosby wouldn't be Ray Bourqueing it. He would be closer to Kevin Duranting it. (edit: that's not right, either, because KD had 0 rings. I dunno. Who had rings and then went on to chase more rings with a stacked team? Someone list that player, he's your comparison)

Brady, LeBron, Manning

 

[VeteranPresence]

Pretty much all he can do to improve his legacy at this point is play long enough to hit 700 goals (putting him in the top-10) and 1800 points (putting him in the top-5). He needs 94 goals and 152 points to do that, so he could do that if he's playing in 3 more seasons. Beyond that, there is pretty much nothing else he can do to improve his legacy that he hasn't already accomplished. Whether he has 3 cups or 4 cups won't make a difference.

I mean yes, every Cup helps a player. How can it not, especially when his competition from an all time sense have as many or more? But like Lemieux, it also paints a picture of a player who was fine to just "turn it off" in the latter stages of their career and ride off into the sunset without breaking a sweat. Compare again to Ovechkin who will break a major record on a team that is not only in the playoff hunt but is a contender. That's going to be remembered with greater esteem in the years to come.

See, the correct answer to that question is no because no one cares that Lemieux did that. You saying you care doesn't matter when everyone else doesn't.

I understand this makes Pens fans big mad, but it's the cold hard truth.

 

[PenguinSuitedUp]

There has definitely been a huge culture shift in terms of how people view sports. It used to be looked at as more meaningful to play your whole career for one team. NHL athletes still do value certain things over winning and money. They haven’t had the same values shift that you see in the NFL or NBA, where players want to create their own super teams or are more likely to chase the highest dollar contract. Fans, at least on this board, don’t seem to see much merit in how the athletes, who have worked so hard to have gotten where they are in their careers, might value something other than winning and individual achievements at any cost.

Yes, because he could've won more Cups and carved out a greater place for himself in history. He also could've offered himself up as a rental on several occasions. and helped the Pens acquire more assets which would have helped them exit their rebuild even faster. Instead, his career basically ended in 2001 and the remaining years were pretty tragic to watch. Again, it can't not hurt a player's career in retrospect.

Why would Mario want to be a rental when he had ownership in the team and the franchise was built around him?

Mario goes down as arguably the most dominant, naturally gifted hockey player of all time, albeit without Gretzky’s achievements and the savior of the franchise. He sits 8th all time in points and is the only player with less than 1,000 games played to be in the top 50 in points scored outside of Stastny (who is 47th). He literally saved the franchise. He has had a huge charitable impact regionally with his foundation for cancer treatment. There’s nothing Mario could have done that would have improved his legacy. In fact, leaving the Penguins would have hurt it. Because there is more to a person’s legacy than just being a mercenary for your entertainment.

 

[Empoleon8771]

I mean yes, every Cup helps a player. How can it not, especially when his competition from an all time sense have as many or more? But like Lemieux, it also paints a picture of a player who was fine to just "turn it off" in the latter stages of their career and ride off into the sunset without breaking a sweat. Compare again to Ovechkin who will break a major record on a team that is not only in the playoff hunt but is a contender. That's going to be remembered with greater esteem in the years to come.

I wonder if you would have been saying this last year, when the Capitals were getting demolished as an undeserving #8 seed while entering the playoffs with a -37 goal differential.

I understand this makes Pens fans mad, but it's the cold hard truth.

You having an opinion no one else has doesn't make it truth.

 

[shello]

The insiders have shut this down completely. Its the wanna be insiders who wont let this die.

Well ya, why would they admit to it.

 

[Ulf5]

Yes, because he could've won more Cups and carved out a greater place for himself in history. He also could've offered himself up as a rental on several occasions. and helped the Pens acquire more assets which would have helped them exit their rebuild even faster. Instead, his career basically ended in 2001 and the remaining years were pretty tragic to watch. Again, it can't not hurt a player's career in retrospect.

Pure gibberish.
3 Stanley Cups, 2 Conn Smythe, 2 Art Ross, 2 Hart, 3 Ted Lindsay, 2 Maurice Richard, 2 Gold Medal. 1 Legend retiring on HIS terms when he decides to hang him up. His place in history is cemented whenever and wherever he decides to retire.

 

[PenguinSuitedUp]

I mean yes, every Cup helps a player. How can it not, especially when his competition from an all time sense have as many or more? But like Lemieux, it also paints a picture of a player who was fine to just "turn it off" in the latter stages of their career and ride off into the sunset without breaking a sweat. Compare again to Ovechkin who will break a major record on a team that is not only in the playoff hunt but is a contender. That's going to be remembered with greater esteem in the years to come.



I understand this makes Pens fans big mad, but it's the cold hard truth.

This is a terrible take. These players are at the top fraction of a percent of a league full of players who are in the top fraction of a percentile at what they do. They are among the most ambitious, motivated, hard working people in the world. Them wanting to stay with their team isn’t them wanting to “turn it off”. It’s them sticking with their team and their professional family through the ups and downs of their careers. There’s a lot to admire in someone who doesn’t quit on their team for their own selfish desires.

Well ya, why would they admit to it.

Oh Jesus tap dancing Christ.

 

[SomeDude]

Yeah man, Mats Sundin's legacy went up so much for those 4 months he spent in Vancouver.

 

[SEALBound]

I remember Brodeur for his time in St Louis.

 

[SomeDude]

I remember Brodeur for his time in St Louis.

History is not kind to Lundqvist's legacy for spending his last years on a fledgling Rags team. Everyone knows it.

 

[Spezza]

Yes, because he could've won more Cups and carved out a greater place for himself in history. He also could've offered himself up as a rental on several occasions. and helped the Pens acquire more assets which would have helped them exit their rebuild even faster. Instead, his career basically ended in 2001 and the remaining years were pretty tragic to watch. Again, it can't not hurt a player's career in retrospect.

I saw Lemieux only once and it was the start of the 2002 season in Ottawa - Pens were super hot and Mario was 1st star (99% sure of this it was so long ago...). Got an ovation from an away crowd when announced and he came out (don't see that much anymore) - he was just that respected.

Fans getting a chance to see a legend of the game in person is a legacy in itself.

 

[General Fanager]

It would be my dream to have Sid on The Habs but in all honesty he should retire a Penguin. Whether the team is good or not he should stay.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Weekes is not the only one looking at the Pens and wondering WTF they are doing. Holding onto an old dynasty team with no youth like the Hawks did. Rebuild now and get assets to help or rebuild later with no assets to help but your own picks. Will take longer and more challenges.

Lets be real here. People from the outside looking in are all thinking the same. This is not some wild idea out of nowhere. Pens may want to keep this quiet and I don't blame them but there is no way the media and fans will not focus on it.

It would be my dream to have Sid on The Habs but in all honesty he should retire a Penguin. Whether the team is good or not he should stay.

Sounds like P Kane all over again. If anybody knows Crosby well, he is extremely competitive. He's staying right now because he wants to give the Pens as much chance to improve the team as possible. Problem is, his GM is Dubas and he thinks adding pieces like Karlsson was the solution.

If the Pens keep missing the playoffs, I personally doubt Crosby will just be happy loosing games but he is still a Penguin. The tipping point may be next season after Dubas has another try this TDL and this summer.

 

[General Fanager]

Weekes is not the only one looking at the Pens and wondering WTF they are doing. Holding onto an old dynasty team with no youth like the Hawks did. Rebuild now and get assets to help or rebuild later with no assets to help but your own picks. Will take longer and more challenges.

Lets be real here. People from the outside looking in are all thinking the same. This is not some wild idea out of nowhere. Pens may want to keep this quiet and I don't blame them but there is no way the media and fans will not focus on it.



Sounds like P Kane all over again. If anybody knows Crosby well, he is extremely competitive. He's staying right now because he wants to give the Pens as much chance to improve the team as possible. Problem is, his GM is Dubas and he thinks adding pieces like Karlsson was the solution.

If the Pens keep missing the playoffs, I personally doubt Crosby will just be happy loosing games but he is still a Penguin. The tipping point may be next season after Dubas has another try this TDL and this summer.

Sure I guess that possible but I think Crosby has more than earned the right to make that call himself and all we know now is that he wants to stay.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Sure I guess that possible but I think Crosby has more than earned the right to make that call himself and all we know now is that he wants to stay.

Oh 100%. It's Crosby call to make. But if and when it happens (traded), I don't think the Pens and Crosby are going to advertise it. Rantanen being shopped was not so you should get the point. It's too easy to say Crosby is staying today.

Do you honestly think he will be happy on a non playoff team and loosing games for the rest of this year and 2 more? My gut says he still wants to compete but he wants the Pens roster to improve. If that don't happen, things change for both the team and player IMO.

 

[NyQuil]

I mean yes, every Cup helps a player. How can it not, especially when his competition from an all time sense have as many or more? But like Lemieux, it also paints a picture of a player who was fine to just "turn it off" in the latter stages of their career and ride off into the sunset without breaking a sweat. Compare again to Ovechkin who will break a major record on a team that is not only in the playoff hunt but is a contender. That's going to be remembered with greater esteem in the years to come.



I understand this makes Pens fans big mad, but it's the cold hard truth.

What a bizarre take.

 

[General Fanager]

Oh 100%. It's Crosby call to make. But if and when it happens (traded), I don't think the Pens and Crosby are going to advertise it. Rantanen being shopped was not so you should get the point. It's too easy to say Crosby is staying today.

Do you honestly think he will be happy on a non playoff team and loosing games for the rest of this year and 2 more? My gut says he still wants to compete but he wants the Pens roster to improve. If that don't happen, things change for both the team and player IMO.

Who knows? I can say no but maybe he thinks they can win with tweaks or he is just looking out for his Pens legacy at this point.

 

[SomeDude]

What a bizarre take.

Nah man, history holds Alfredsson and Modano with so mich higher esteem since they went to Detroit at the end of their careers. Everyone is talking about it.