From what I've read, things will likely work out with the core as follows:Puck-Lurker wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2024 11:06 amI figure that is where 'the actual money' becomes more of an issue. Say Crosby signs 3 years at {just pay the guy}, thinking he'll retire after. After all, Geno and Tanger's contracts end then.Skatingpen wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2024 9:22 amSo sign a short term deal…….Puck-Lurker wrote: Fri Aug 09, 2024 7:59 amThe latest in the Crosby rumours making the rounds.The actual money is “not an issue,” a team source said... (Crosby) is unsure exactly how long he wants to keep playing and “doesn’t want to put (the Penguins) in a bad spot” if he signs a longer deal and doesn’t play it out in full, a source close to Crosby said.
So... After 3 years, Geno leaves the NHL to play a bit with Magnitogorsk before his career is over. Letang signs a two year extension at.. I don't know, 4.5-5M? Crosby is still feeling it and wants to play on with his buddy and chase some records while helping the new guys. He wants to reup for 2 more years, is the money for that deal going to be what he could get right now, signing for 5? That is a consideration.
--Malkin will be gone after the 2025-2026 season. They won't sign him to another contract. Whether he plays in Russia or not remains to be seen. He said a few weeks ago in an interview he would like to, but it also depends on where his game is at that point. He isn't going to do it if he isn't still playing at a high level, and he also doesn't want to come in and push a young guy out of the lineup there, just because of his name recognition.
--Crosby will sign a 3 year deal. No idea on terms. Not really important, but what is important is, adding 3 years aligns him with Letang's contract length. If Sid signs a 3 year deal, he'll be 40 during his last season in 27-28. If he wants to sign a new deal for longer, I'm sure they would...but, I doubt Crosby is going to go much further past age 40.
--Letang could also be gone before Crosby's contract ends. He too would be 40 years old in the 27-28 season. The catch with Letang...after next season (when Geno's contract is up), Letang's contract switches from having a full NMC clause, to having a 10 team approved trade list. Hextall left an out for Letang to be moved the same summer Malkin would retire. Letang really hasn't shown much drop off in his game, but, there is a chance he could be moved elsewhere before retiring.