CRANBERRY TWP, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang are unrestricted free agents after the season ends. Sidney Crosby admits he knows this could be a last run with all of them together as the playoffs begin next week.
"As much as you don't want to think about it, you understand could be a possibility," Crosby said Thursday. "I think there are circumstances like that in other years, not exactly the same situation as this one. You just try to enjoy it as much as you can because you know it's not something that is going to last forever."
Malkin, Crosby and Letang along with Marc-Andre Fleury were a part of the core of the franchise as they went from a few years in the basement to return as Stanley Cup Champions in 2009-10 season. Then winning back-to-back championships in the middle of the decade.
We haven't spoken to Malkin in over two months, so we don't know exactly what he is thinking about his future. When discussing it last month, Letang said he's heard the rumors of where he will end up. He said that is out of his control right now, his focus is on trying to win a championship.
"We are in a business where change is inevitable," said Pens Head Coach Mike Sullivan. "It's part of what we all sign up for. With respect to these guys and what they've accomplished and the legacy that they've built in Pittsburgh, it's impressive. They are deserving of the recognition based on what they've accomplished. They are the best core I've ever been around. To have an opportunity to be their coach has been an unbelievable honor and a privilege."
"I don't think in terms of what might happen in the future, I'm just appreciative of the opportunity we have right now as a group. I think we are all excited about that."
"Whether it's this year or down the road, you only get to play for so long," Crosby said. "Just trying to enjoy it and be grateful for the opportunity that we have to do it again."
