What Pens Sidney Crosby said about his contract, future

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Sidney Crosby is currently the 65^th highest paid player in the NHL. This isn’t about debating where he stands among the league elite as the season starts at the end of the month, but what the 39-year-old said about being in the last year of his contract.

Crosby was taking part in the couple-decade old tradition of Pens players delivering season tickets Tuesday afternoon, although with digital tickets it’s more of a meet-and-greet. While in awe of meeting Crosby, even the Duryea family couldn’t resist asking Sid about his future.

Crosby is entering the final season of his most recent two-year contract worth his typical $8.7 million per season. While the Pens don’t have the same negotiating rules as the Steelers, in that they won’t talk in-season, there is a value in getting something done earlier rather than later.

“I don’t know, I’m going to let (agent) Pat (Brisson) and (Penguins general manager) Kyle (Dubas) figure that out,” Crosby said. “I wouldn’t say there is a hard timeline. I think it’s something that I will let them discuss.”

Crosby is coming off an NHL-record 20^th season of averaging at least a point-per-game. He finished with 29 goals and 45 assists in 68 games. Crosby is not expressing how long of a contract he wants, but he does want more time on NHL ice.

“At this point in my career, it’s hard to project how long I’m going to play for, but it’s just something where I will see what happens there,” Crosby said.

Crosby is part of a roster, that even at 39-years-old, he’s not the oldest or second oldest on the team. He’s one of eight who grew up with Rugrats, Pokeman, Blue’s Clues, meaning they are over 30-years-old. Sid says he comes into the start of training camp on Thursday with a similar excitement he’s had every year.

Losing that annual excitement would be a factor, but what else would impact his decision of how long he wants to play?

“I think it’s a combination of everything,” Crosby said. “I think when you talk to guys who are later in their careers, I think it’s different for everyone. I don’t think you ever know until you get to that point. I’m guessing it’s your level, how your body feels, it’s a combination of all those things.”

“Overall, I feel pretty good, so I’m hoping that’s not something I have to think about too much. “I’m happy with the way I feel and will go from there.”

It’s not likely Crosby would want more money. The NHL salary cap continues to rise and the Pens are working with room under that ceiling. This seems like a no-brainer for both sides.

“I’m comfortable with them having the conversations,” Crosby said. “I just want to focus on playing and they will handle that.”

Contract negotiations have dominated Steelers talk over the last few months. I can’t think of an easier decision that extending the time Sidney Crosby wears a Penguins uniform (sweater).