Rumors: New Ownership Group has asked for assurances that Sidney Crosby plans to play out final three years in Pittsburgh

Penguins General Manager Ron Hextall is considered to be very distant when it comes to keeping a superstar player like Sidney Crosby in the loop on roster decisions, a complete contrast to how Jim Rutherford was,

President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke, though, is the opposite of Hextall and has made it a priority since coming to Pittsburgh to keep Crosby and his camp informed of most dealings.

One development since the season has ended, the new ownership group through Burke made a reach out to confirm Crosby plans to play out his final three years in Pittsburgh.

One answer Burke and the Penguins brass have not received is that Crosby will retire a Penguin, but they’ve been given 100% assurances that Crosby plans to play out his final three years in Pittsburgh and then it will be a ‘we’ll see’ approach, sources say. After his contract ends, there has been no commitment, but it’s made the Penguins confident moving forward they have a three year window with Crosby who team believes can be a Tom Brady of the NHL and play at a high level into his late 30’s and early 40’s.

Crosby, 34, turns 35 in August and is signed through the 2024-2025 season. Crosby who made $9 million in 2021-2022, will make
just $3 million in 2022-2023 as his contract totals just $9 million in salary over the final three years of the deal. [/hide]