Surprised Crosby has not extended yet

[Cow_Master66]

What is reasonable contract for Sid?

$11mil, $9mil, $7mil??

If so, pay him $10mil signing bonus (year 1) with salaries of $6mil, $6mil, $5mil. I don’t think qualifies as 35+

Sid’s been making more on endorsements than from Pens last couple years.

I think owners don’t want to pay big sb.

Players like signing bonus because it is a lump sum paid in July, and doesn't have as much of a tax cut taken out of it. It's a more favorable option for the player. Crosby didn't have any signing bonus in this last contract, because that really became the norm 4-5 years ago.

Also, your proposal would put Sid in the "full retirement cap hit" penalty for the team because it is front-loaded. The 3 major 35+ rules that penalize early retirement from the contract are:
--Cannot have a signing bonus beyond Year 1
--Cannot be a front-loaded contract.
--Total compensation is the same YOY or increases.

This prevents a player from signing, say, a 5 year deal, but front-loading the first 3 years, never intending to play the last 2 years.

3 year deal for Sid:
--Year 1, 1M Salary, 9M signing bonus
--Year 2, 10M Salary, no signing bonus
--Year 3, 10M Salary, no signing bonus

Large, up-front signing bonus, 10M AAV YOY value.

Admittedly, I'm too lazy to look it up so just asking....Why would the lump sum not have "as much of a tax (impact)"? In PA, supplemental income is taxed at a much higher rate (speaking from personal experience). Curious about how the parties involved are getting around this.

[FLPensFan]

What is reasonable contract for Sid?

$11mil, $9mil, $7mil??

If so, pay him $10mil signing bonus (year 1) with salaries of $6mil, $6mil, $5mil. I don’t think qualifies as 35+

Sid’s been making more on endorsements than from Pens last couple years.

I think owners don’t want to pay big sb.

Players like signing bonus because it is a lump sum paid in July, and doesn't have as much of a tax cut taken out of it. It's a more favorable option for the player. Crosby didn't have any signing bonus in this last contract, because that really became the norm 4-5 years ago.

Also, your proposal would put Sid in the "full retirement cap hit" penalty for the team because it is front-loaded. The 3 major 35+ rules that penalize early retirement from the contract are:
--Cannot have a signing bonus beyond Year 1
--Cannot be a front-loaded contract.
--Total compensation is the same YOY or increases.

This prevents a player from signing, say, a 5 year deal, but front-loading the first 3 years, never intending to play the last 2 years.

3 year deal for Sid:
--Year 1, 1M Salary, 9M signing bonus
--Year 2, 10M Salary, no signing bonus
--Year 3, 10M Salary, no signing bonus

Large, up-front signing bonus, 10M AAV YOY value.

Admittedly, I'm too lazy to look it up so just asking....Why would the lump sum not have "as much of a tax (impact)"? In PA, supplemental income is taxed at a much higher rate (speaking from personal experience). Curious about how the parties involved are getting around this.

There's a lot I don't know. I could be wrong, but, from everything I have read over the years:
--hockey players salary/paycheck is determined by where they play their games. So, for example, a player in Pittsburgh is playing 41 regular season games in PA (not counting Philly for now), and are taxed at that tax rate for those games. The other 41 games are played in various cities, and it counts as earnings in those cities. So you are getting taxed at those tax rates when playing those away games.
--the lump sum is paid out at once, and in your home city. So if you play somewhere like Florida with no state tax, or even somewhere with only a modest state tax (vs Canada and somewhere like Montreal), then you are getting more money in a quicker period of time.
--the other BIG kicker is, the signing bonus money is NOT subject to escrow, which has been a big loser for the players.

On the tax stuff, however, big agent Alan Walsh recently was on a podcast saying the whole tax thing is blown a bit out of proportion by fans and the media. He said there are different methods they can use to limit the tax impact on the player, so it's not as big of a deal as the media makes it out to be.

[Zarovich]

What is reasonable contract for Sid?

$11mil, $9mil, $7mil??

If so, pay him $10mil signing bonus (year 1) with salaries of $6mil, $6mil, $5mil. I don’t think qualifies as 35+

Sid’s been making more on endorsements than from Pens last couple years.

I think owners don’t want to pay big sb.

Players like signing bonus because it is a lump sum paid in July, and doesn't have as much of a tax cut taken out of it. It's a more favorable option for the player. Crosby didn't have any signing bonus in this last contract, because that really became the norm 4-5 years ago.

Also, your proposal would put Sid in the "full retirement cap hit" penalty for the team because it is front-loaded. The 3 major 35+ rules that penalize early retirement from the contract are:
--Cannot have a signing bonus beyond Year 1
--Cannot be a front-loaded contract.
--Total compensation is the same YOY or increases.

This prevents a player from signing, say, a 5 year deal, but front-loading the first 3 years, never intending to play the last 2 years.

3 year deal for Sid:
--Year 1, 1M Salary, 9M signing bonus
--Year 2, 10M Salary, no signing bonus
--Year 3, 10M Salary, no signing bonus

Large, up-front signing bonus, 10M AAV YOY value.

Admittedly, I'm too lazy to look it up so just asking....Why would the lump sum not have "as much of a tax (impact)"? In PA, supplemental income is taxed at a much higher rate (speaking from personal experience). Curious about how the parties involved are getting around this.

There's a lot I don't know. I could be wrong, but, from everything I have read over the years:
--hockey players salary/paycheck is determined by where they play their games. So, for example, a player in Pittsburgh is playing 41 regular season games in PA (not counting Philly for now), and are taxed at that tax rate for those games. The other 41 games are played in various cities, and it counts as earnings in those cities. So you are getting taxed at those tax rates when playing those away games.
--the lump sum is paid out at once, and in your home city. So if you play somewhere like Florida with no state tax, or even somewhere with only a modest state tax (vs Canada and somewhere like Montreal), then you are getting more money in a quicker period of time.
--the other BIG kicker is, the signing bonus money is NOT subject to escrow, which has been a big loser for the players.

On the tax stuff, however, big agent Alan Walsh recently was on a podcast saying the whole tax thing is blown a bit out of proportion by fans and the media. He said there are different methods they can use to limit the tax impact on the player, so it's not as big of a deal as the media makes it out to be.

It’s the escrow that is the issue. Signing bonuses do not have escrow percent withheld. The salary does.

[Cow_Master66]

What is reasonable contract for Sid?

$11mil, $9mil, $7mil??

If so, pay him $10mil signing bonus (year 1) with salaries of $6mil, $6mil, $5mil. I don’t think qualifies as 35+

Sid’s been making more on endorsements than from Pens last couple years.

I think owners don’t want to pay big sb.

Players like signing bonus because it is a lump sum paid in July, and doesn't have as much of a tax cut taken out of it. It's a more favorable option for the player. Crosby didn't have any signing bonus in this last contract, because that really became the norm 4-5 years ago.

Also, your proposal would put Sid in the "full retirement cap hit" penalty for the team because it is front-loaded. The 3 major 35+ rules that penalize early retirement from the contract are:
--Cannot have a signing bonus beyond Year 1
--Cannot be a front-loaded contract.
--Total compensation is the same YOY or increases.

This prevents a player from signing, say, a 5 year deal, but front-loading the first 3 years, never intending to play the last 2 years.

3 year deal for Sid:
--Year 1, 1M Salary, 9M signing bonus
--Year 2, 10M Salary, no signing bonus
--Year 3, 10M Salary, no signing bonus

Large, up-front signing bonus, 10M AAV YOY value.

Admittedly, I'm too lazy to look it up so just asking....Why would the lump sum not have "as much of a tax (impact)"? In PA, supplemental income is taxed at a much higher rate (speaking from personal experience). Curious about how the parties involved are getting around this.

There's a lot I don't know. I could be wrong, but, from everything I have read over the years:
--hockey players salary/paycheck is determined by where they play their games. So, for example, a player in Pittsburgh is playing 41 regular season games in PA (not counting Philly for now), and are taxed at that tax rate for those games. The other 41 games are played in various cities, and it counts as earnings in those cities. So you are getting taxed at those tax rates when playing those away games.
--the lump sum is paid out at once, and in your home city. So if you play somewhere like Florida with no state tax, or even somewhere with only a modest state tax (vs Canada and somewhere like Montreal), then you are getting more money in a quicker period of time.
--the other BIG kicker is, the signing bonus money is NOT subject to escrow, which has been a big loser for the players.

On the tax stuff, however, big agent Alan Walsh recently was on a podcast saying the whole tax thing is blown a bit out of proportion by fans and the media. He said there are different methods they can use to limit the tax impact on the player, so it's not as big of a deal as the media makes it out to be.

Yeah, the escrow piece definitely makes the most sense as far as impact. Always take the lump sum if you win the lottery

[Daniel]

What is reasonable contract for Sid?

$11mil, $9mil, $7mil??

If so, pay him $10mil signing bonus (year 1) with salaries of $6mil, $6mil, $5mil. I don’t think qualifies as 35+

Sid’s been making more on endorsements than from Pens last couple years.

I think owners don’t want to pay big sb.

Players like signing bonus because it is a lump sum paid in July, and doesn't have as much of a tax cut taken out of it. It's a more favorable option for the player. Crosby didn't have any signing bonus in this last contract, because that really became the norm 4-5 years ago.

Also, your proposal would put Sid in the "full retirement cap hit" penalty for the team because it is front-loaded. The 3 major 35+ rules that penalize early retirement from the contract are:
--Cannot have a signing bonus beyond Year 1
--Cannot be a front-loaded contract.
--Total compensation is the same YOY or increases.

This prevents a player from signing, say, a 5 year deal, but front-loading the first 3 years, never intending to play the last 2 years.

3 year deal for Sid:
--Year 1, 1M Salary, 9M signing bonus
--Year 2, 10M Salary, no signing bonus
--Year 3, 10M Salary, no signing bonus

Large, up-front signing bonus, 10M AAV YOY value.

Admittedly, I'm too lazy to look it up so just asking....Why would the lump sum not have "as much of a tax (impact)"? In PA, supplemental income is taxed at a much higher rate (speaking from personal experience). Curious about how the parties involved are getting around this.

There's a lot I don't know. I could be wrong, but, from everything I have read over the years:
--hockey players salary/paycheck is determined by where they play their games. So, for example, a player in Pittsburgh is playing 41 regular season games in PA (not counting Philly for now), and are taxed at that tax rate for those games. The other 41 games are played in various cities, and it counts as earnings in those cities. So you are getting taxed at those tax rates when playing those away games.
--the lump sum is paid out at once, and in your home city. So if you play somewhere like Florida with no state tax, or even somewhere with only a modest state tax (vs Canada and somewhere like Montreal), then you are getting more money in a quicker period of time.
--the other BIG kicker is, the signing bonus money is NOT subject to escrow, which has been a big loser for the players.

On the tax stuff, however, big agent Alan Walsh recently was on a podcast saying the whole tax thing is blown a bit out of proportion by fans and the media. He said there are different methods they can use to limit the tax impact on the player, so it's not as big of a deal as the media makes it out to be.

That doesn't make sense. Maybe sports are different, but one would think an away game is a business trip but not a residential change and the state income tax is based on the residence or home base of the employment. If that's the case, why not make the bonus payable to the away game in Florida, Tennessee, Texas and make it tax free?

[BT87711158]

i mentioned this earlier in this thread - does anyone think Sid has interest in reaching 2000 points ? In the past we know he has been very competitive with Ovi. Assuming Ovi gets the all time goal mark does 2000 points kinda answer that? Jags' 1921 is second all time but 2000 has such a beautiful look to it !!

Also I think the goalie prospect situation could be a game changer for Sid - meaning i think (and hopefully he thinks) that this team could be very good again very soon.

[Pitts]

What is reasonable contract for Sid?

$11mil, $9mil, $7mil??

If so, pay him $10mil signing bonus (year 1) with salaries of $6mil, $6mil, $5mil. I don’t think qualifies as 35+

Sid’s been making more on endorsements than from Pens last couple years.

I think owners don’t want to pay big sb.

Players like signing bonus because it is a lump sum paid in July, and doesn't have as much of a tax cut taken out of it. It's a more favorable option for the player. Crosby didn't have any signing bonus in this last contract, because that really became the norm 4-5 years ago.

Also, your proposal would put Sid in the "full retirement cap hit" penalty for the team because it is front-loaded. The 3 major 35+ rules that penalize early retirement from the contract are:
--Cannot have a signing bonus beyond Year 1
--Cannot be a front-loaded contract.
--Total compensation is the same YOY or increases.

This prevents a player from signing, say, a 5 year deal, but front-loading the first 3 years, never intending to play the last 2 years.

3 year deal for Sid:
--Year 1, 1M Salary, 9M signing bonus
--Year 2, 10M Salary, no signing bonus
--Year 3, 10M Salary, no signing bonus

Large, up-front signing bonus, 10M AAV YOY value.

Admittedly, I'm too lazy to look it up so just asking....Why would the lump sum not have "as much of a tax (impact)"? In PA, supplemental income is taxed at a much higher rate (speaking from personal experience). Curious about how the parties involved are getting around this.

There's a lot I don't know. I could be wrong, but, from everything I have read over the years:
--hockey players salary/paycheck is determined by where they play their games. So, for example, a player in Pittsburgh is playing 41 regular season games in PA (not counting Philly for now), and are taxed at that tax rate for those games. The other 41 games are played in various cities, and it counts as earnings in those cities. So you are getting taxed at those tax rates when playing those away games.
--the lump sum is paid out at once, and in your home city. So if you play somewhere like Florida with no state tax, or even somewhere with only a modest state tax (vs Canada and somewhere like Montreal), then you are getting more money in a quicker period of time.
--the other BIG kicker is, the signing bonus money is NOT subject to escrow, which has been a big loser for the players.

On the tax stuff, however, big agent Alan Walsh recently was on a podcast saying the whole tax thing is blown a bit out of proportion by fans and the media. He said there are different methods they can use to limit the tax impact on the player, so it's not as big of a deal as the media makes it out to be.

That doesn't make sense. Maybe sports are different, but one would think an away game is a business trip but not a residential change and the state income tax is based on the residence or home base of the employment. If that's the case, why not make the bonus payable to the away game in Florida, Tennessee, Texas and make it tax free?

If all that is true, I expect it is because rather than a "job" Hockey (sports in general) is considered entertainment, thus taxed differently than an ordinary occupation.

[FLPensFan]

What is reasonable contract for Sid?

$11mil, $9mil, $7mil??

If so, pay him $10mil signing bonus (year 1) with salaries of $6mil, $6mil, $5mil. I don’t think qualifies as 35+

Sid’s been making more on endorsements than from Pens last couple years.

I think owners don’t want to pay big sb.

Players like signing bonus because it is a lump sum paid in July, and doesn't have as much of a tax cut taken out of it. It's a more favorable option for the player. Crosby didn't have any signing bonus in this last contract, because that really became the norm 4-5 years ago.

Also, your proposal would put Sid in the "full retirement cap hit" penalty for the team because it is front-loaded. The 3 major 35+ rules that penalize early retirement from the contract are:
--Cannot have a signing bonus beyond Year 1
--Cannot be a front-loaded contract.
--Total compensation is the same YOY or increases.

This prevents a player from signing, say, a 5 year deal, but front-loading the first 3 years, never intending to play the last 2 years.

3 year deal for Sid:
--Year 1, 1M Salary, 9M signing bonus
--Year 2, 10M Salary, no signing bonus
--Year 3, 10M Salary, no signing bonus

Large, up-front signing bonus, 10M AAV YOY value.

Admittedly, I'm too lazy to look it up so just asking....Why would the lump sum not have "as much of a tax (impact)"? In PA, supplemental income is taxed at a much higher rate (speaking from personal experience). Curious about how the parties involved are getting around this.

There's a lot I don't know. I could be wrong, but, from everything I have read over the years:
--hockey players salary/paycheck is determined by where they play their games. So, for example, a player in Pittsburgh is playing 41 regular season games in PA (not counting Philly for now), and are taxed at that tax rate for those games. The other 41 games are played in various cities, and it counts as earnings in those cities. So you are getting taxed at those tax rates when playing those away games.
--the lump sum is paid out at once, and in your home city. So if you play somewhere like Florida with no state tax, or even somewhere with only a modest state tax (vs Canada and somewhere like Montreal), then you are getting more money in a quicker period of time.
--the other BIG kicker is, the signing bonus money is NOT subject to escrow, which has been a big loser for the players.

On the tax stuff, however, big agent Alan Walsh recently was on a podcast saying the whole tax thing is blown a bit out of proportion by fans and the media. He said there are different methods they can use to limit the tax impact on the player, so it's not as big of a deal as the media makes it out to be.

That doesn't make sense. Maybe sports are different, but one would think an away game is a business trip but not a residential change and the state income tax is based on the residence or home base of the employment. If that's the case, why not make the bonus payable to the away game in Florida, Tennessee, Texas and make it tax free?

Nope. Well, no and yes. It's not really SALARY that is determined by the city you play (even away games). It's taxes. Most cities/states tax athletes for playing in their city/state, whether it is an away game or not. This isn't the article I remember reading (still searching for it), but here's a CPA/lawyer laying this out a few years ago:

https://anderscpa.com/how-much-nhl-play ... e/?tag=sae

[Daniel]

Players like signing bonus because it is a lump sum paid in July, and doesn't have as much of a tax cut taken out of it. It's a more favorable option for the player. Crosby didn't have any signing bonus in this last contract, because that really became the norm 4-5 years ago.

Also, your proposal would put Sid in the "full retirement cap hit" penalty for the team because it is front-loaded. The 3 major 35+ rules that penalize early retirement from the contract are:
--Cannot have a signing bonus beyond Year 1
--Cannot be a front-loaded contract.
--Total compensation is the same YOY or increases.

This prevents a player from signing, say, a 5 year deal, but front-loading the first 3 years, never intending to play the last 2 years.

3 year deal for Sid:
--Year 1, 1M Salary, 9M signing bonus
--Year 2, 10M Salary, no signing bonus
--Year 3, 10M Salary, no signing bonus

Large, up-front signing bonus, 10M AAV YOY value.

Admittedly, I'm too lazy to look it up so just asking....Why would the lump sum not have "as much of a tax (impact)"? In PA, supplemental income is taxed at a much higher rate (speaking from personal experience). Curious about how the parties involved are getting around this.

There's a lot I don't know. I could be wrong, but, from everything I have read over the years:
--hockey players salary/paycheck is determined by where they play their games. So, for example, a player in Pittsburgh is playing 41 regular season games in PA (not counting Philly for now), and are taxed at that tax rate for those games. The other 41 games are played in various cities, and it counts as earnings in those cities. So you are getting taxed at those tax rates when playing those away games.
--the lump sum is paid out at once, and in your home city. So if you play somewhere like Florida with no state tax, or even somewhere with only a modest state tax (vs Canada and somewhere like Montreal), then you are getting more money in a quicker period of time.
--the other BIG kicker is, the signing bonus money is NOT subject to escrow, which has been a big loser for the players.

On the tax stuff, however, big agent Alan Walsh recently was on a podcast saying the whole tax thing is blown a bit out of proportion by fans and the media. He said there are different methods they can use to limit the tax impact on the player, so it's not as big of a deal as the media makes it out to be.

That doesn't make sense. Maybe sports are different, but one would think an away game is a business trip but not a residential change and the state income tax is based on the residence or home base of the employment. If that's the case, why not make the bonus payable to the away game in Florida, Tennessee, Texas and make it tax free?

Nope. Well, no and yes. It's not really SALARY that is determined by the city you play (even away games). It's taxes. Most cities/states tax athletes for playing in their city/state, whether it is an away game or not. This isn't the article I remember reading (still searching for it), but here's a CPA/lawyer laying this out a few years ago:

https://anderscpa.com/how-much-nhl-play ... e/?tag=sae

Tnanks Pitts and FlPensFan. Found wiki on jock tax so obviously way more than that. I found this snippet interesting. It implies that anyone doing business in the state can be taxed but too hard to find. That's kinda jacked up to be honest with you, but rather not get into a taxation discussion, lol. Still interesting for sure.

In the United States, the jock tax is the colloquially named income tax levied against visitors to a city or state who earn money in that jurisdiction. Since a state cannot afford to track the many individuals who do business on an itinerant basis, the ones targeted are usually high profile and very wealthy, namely professional athletes. Not only are the working schedules of famous sports players public, so are their salaries. The state can compute and collect the amount with very little investment of time and effort.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jock_tax# ... risdiction.

[Pitts]

Musicians go through the same tax issue. I know in Pittsburgh, the high rates make numerous musicians skip playing here.

[IntangibleBeer]

So has he signed?

Is it time to ?

[Antonio]

I mean at this point, it's obvious there is SOME issue. Whether that means he isn't going to sign remains to be seen but there isn't a valid reason for why at this point other than some hang up. The nonsense about vacations, being out of town, etc etc is stupid. No reason it takes more than a few minutes to sign and be done when it's all lined up, which is clearly isn't especially given the business impact on this uncertainty continuing. Guess we'll see at the end of the day, but I'm still pretty sure he re-signs.

[FLPensFan]

I mean at this point, it's obvious there is SOME issue. Whether that means he isn't going to sign remains to be seen but there isn't a valid reason for why at this point other than some hang up. The nonsense about vacations, being out of town, etc etc is stupid. No reason it takes more than a few minutes to sign and be done when it's all lined up, which is clearly isn't especially given the business impact on this uncertainty continuing. Guess we'll see at the end of the day, but I'm still pretty sure he re-signs.

Or, it's obvious that all the details are worked out, and Crosby is simply waiting to be in town for camp at this point. Maybe he has something else going on in his life where it isn't easy to sign at the moment.

If camp comes and goes and there isn't a signing, I'd be worried. But until then...whatever.

[Antonio]

Yeah I keep hearing that but I don't buy that. It is an issue that has impacts on a billion dollar business and ticket sales, sponsorships, etc. Having it unsigned, unsettled with no news makes absolutely zero sense and I am going to say I do not agree at all. If it was 100% settled and his physical presence to sign was the only inconvenience, then they could/would have already said, it is all done and will be signed as soon as Sid is in town. The entire no news, quiet front on the issue costs real actual money and there is no chance that the only issue is, oh whenever I can swing by I will drop a signature. They would have just fedexed the damn thing to him overnight to sign and return if that was the case. To be clear, I am not saying he won't sign, but I 100% do not buy the "no issue" and it will just get done conveniently argument.

[FLPensFan]

Yeah I keep hearing that but I don't buy that. It is an issue that has impacts on a billion dollar business and ticket sales, sponsorships, etc. Having it unsigned, unsettled with no news makes absolutely zero sense and I am going to say I do not agree at all. If it was 100% settled and his physical presence to sign was the only inconvenience, then they could/would have already said, it is all done and will be signed as soon as Sid is in town. The entire no news, quiet front on the issue costs real actual money and there is no chance that the only issue is, oh whenever I can swing by I will drop a signature. They would have just fedexed the damn thing to him overnight to sign and return if that was the case. To be clear, I am not saying he won't sign, but I 100% do not buy the "no issue" and it will just get done conveniently argument.

And I will say...you could be correct. I doubt it, but it is possible. Maybe he hasn't liked the offseason. Maybe he expected a bigger impact player to be added. Maybe he's had time to reflect and has decided that this isn't the right fit for him.

But, everything almost any reporter that covers him in Pittsburgh says Crosby is loyal to a T. Would he like to win another Cup? Sure, but he's so loyal he'd likely try and force Pittsburgh to be competitive for a Cup again before he retires rather than go win another Cup with a team in much better position to do so.

[FLPensFan]

From what I am reading, Pierre McGuire was on Madden's show today. Madden asked him if he was worried about Sid not signing yet, and Pierre said "yes, it shouldn't be taking this long. If the Penguins lose Sid, there's a catastrophic problem in Pittsburgh."

[KG]

From what I am reading, Pierre McGuire was on Madden's show today. Madden asked him if he was worried about Sid not signing yet, and Pierre said "yes, it shouldn't be taking this long. If the Penguins lose Sid, there's a catastrophic problem in Pittsburgh."

If I had to cast my vote, I would lean more toward there is some type of issue. Not to over-simplify negotiations, but we are talking about Sid here. Maybe he wants a huge chunk as a signing bonus or something like that. Fine, but whatever it is, it's not that complicated. It clearly should have been done by now if both parties are agreed.

It's not like the Pens have had a great off-season, they could certainly use some positive PR and a buzz, the Sid contract would do that.

If this goes into training camp, then yes there is certainly an issue.

I wonder if there is/was any smoke to the Letang asking for a trade rumor Madden floated out there? Maybe that upset Sid that Letang isn't happy. It's all conjecture at this point. Unfortunately the longer this goes on, the more theories and rumors are going to come out.

[Daniel]

Yeah I keep hearing that but I don't buy that. It is an issue that has impacts on a billion dollar business and ticket sales, sponsorships, etc. Having it unsigned, unsettled with no news makes absolutely zero sense and I am going to say I do not agree at all. If it was 100% settled and his physical presence to sign was the only inconvenience, then they could/would have already said, it is all done and will be signed as soon as Sid is in town. The entire no news, quiet front on the issue costs real actual money and there is no chance that the only issue is, oh whenever I can swing by I will drop a signature. They would have just fedexed the damn thing to him overnight to sign and return if that was the case. To be clear, I am not saying he won't sign, but I 100% do not buy the "no issue" and it will just get done conveniently argument.

And I will say...you could be correct. I doubt it, but it is possible. Maybe he hasn't liked the offseason. Maybe he expected a bigger impact player to be added. Maybe he's had time to reflect and has decided that this isn't the right fit for him.

But, everything almost any reporter that covers him in Pittsburgh says Crosby is loyal to a T. Would he like to win another Cup? Sure, but he's so loyal he'd likely try and force Pittsburgh to be competitive for a Cup again before he retires rather than go win another Cup with a team in much better position to do so.

Maybe he's wonder how much longer he wants to sacrifice his body for a stagnant organization. He has no reason to play at all, what more does he need to accomplish in his career? The last few seasons have to wear on him and I wouldn't be surprised if he signed, went to UFA and tried with another team, or retired.

He doesn't need the money and he has to know there is no way he wins another cup with the Penguins.

[FLPensFan]

Yeah I keep hearing that but I don't buy that. It is an issue that has impacts on a billion dollar business and ticket sales, sponsorships, etc. Having it unsigned, unsettled with no news makes absolutely zero sense and I am going to say I do not agree at all. If it was 100% settled and his physical presence to sign was the only inconvenience, then they could/would have already said, it is all done and will be signed as soon as Sid is in town. The entire no news, quiet front on the issue costs real actual money and there is no chance that the only issue is, oh whenever I can swing by I will drop a signature. They would have just fedexed the damn thing to him overnight to sign and return if that was the case. To be clear, I am not saying he won't sign, but I 100% do not buy the "no issue" and it will just get done conveniently argument.

And I will say...you could be correct. I doubt it, but it is possible. Maybe he hasn't liked the offseason. Maybe he expected a bigger impact player to be added. Maybe he's had time to reflect and has decided that this isn't the right fit for him.

But, everything almost any reporter that covers him in Pittsburgh says Crosby is loyal to a T. Would he like to win another Cup? Sure, but he's so loyal he'd likely try and force Pittsburgh to be competitive for a Cup again before he retires rather than go win another Cup with a team in much better position to do so.

Maybe he's wonder how much longer he wants to sacrifice his body for a stagnant organization. He has no reason to play at all, what more does he need to accomplish in his career? The last few seasons have to wear on him and I wouldn't be surprised if he signed, went to UFA and tried with another team, or retired.

He doesn't need the money and he has to know there is no way he wins another cup with the Penguins.

For Sid, I think it's just the love of the game. He's been doing it for probably 30 years. He loves to play hockey and he's very good at it. The last 2 seasons, he's played every single game. He's never done that before, closest was 82 in 17-18 and 79 in 18-19. He's still playing at an extremely high level. I think he keeps going simply because athletes have a hard time letting go and ending their career.

The question I would have would be, what type of conversation did he and Dubas have, if any, before the draft. I can't imagine Dubas kept him in the dark on how things would go the next year or two.

[Fast B]

From what I am reading, Pierre McGuire was on Madden's show today. Madden asked him if he was worried about Sid not signing yet, and Pierre said "yes, it shouldn't be taking this long. If the Penguins lose Sid, there's a catastrophic problem in Pittsburgh."

Counterpoint: "Shut up, Pierre."

(I too am eager to see Sid suit up as a Pen for the remainder of his career, but I'm not gonna freak out about it yet, too many other real things to worry about day-to-day.)

[Daniel]

Yeah I keep hearing that but I don't buy that. It is an issue that has impacts on a billion dollar business and ticket sales, sponsorships, etc. Having it unsigned, unsettled with no news makes absolutely zero sense and I am going to say I do not agree at all. If it was 100% settled and his physical presence to sign was the only inconvenience, then they could/would have already said, it is all done and will be signed as soon as Sid is in town. The entire no news, quiet front on the issue costs real actual money and there is no chance that the only issue is, oh whenever I can swing by I will drop a signature. They would have just fedexed the damn thing to him overnight to sign and return if that was the case. To be clear, I am not saying he won't sign, but I 100% do not buy the "no issue" and it will just get done conveniently argument.

And I will say...you could be correct. I doubt it, but it is possible. Maybe he hasn't liked the offseason. Maybe he expected a bigger impact player to be added. Maybe he's had time to reflect and has decided that this isn't the right fit for him.

But, everything almost any reporter that covers him in Pittsburgh says Crosby is loyal to a T. Would he like to win another Cup? Sure, but he's so loyal he'd likely try and force Pittsburgh to be competitive for a Cup again before he retires rather than go win another Cup with a team in much better position to do so.

Maybe he's wonder how much longer he wants to sacrifice his body for a stagnant organization. He has no reason to play at all, what more does he need to accomplish in his career? The last few seasons have to wear on him and I wouldn't be surprised if he signed, went to UFA and tried with another team, or retired.

He doesn't need the money and he has to know there is no way he wins another cup with the Penguins.

For Sid, I think it's just the love of the game. He's been doing it for probably 30 years. He loves to play hockey and he's very good at it. The last 2 seasons, he's played every single game. He's never done that before, closest was 82 in 17-18 and 79 in 18-19. He's still playing at an extremely high level. I think he keeps going simply because athletes have a hard time letting go and ending their career.

The question I would have would be, what type of conversation did he and Dubas have, if any, before the draft. I can't imagine Dubas kept him in the dark on how things would go the next year or two.

I agree that he’d play for the love of the game, but he also wants to win. I think that’s the tough part because he knows this is a dead end franchise right now but at the same time he’s playing for his legacy. In modern sports, winning 3 championships and playing for one team is quite rare. I’m sure I can find an athlete over the past 25 years who has done it, but I’d be hard pressed to find one. Crosby, Malkin, and Letang have the chance to do something this generation of athletes hasn’t seen and that might keep him with the Penguins.

I think that’s the struggle. He loves the game and wants to play, at a high level like you said, but does he want 82 games or a chance for a cup? Would he want to lift a cup with McKinnon in Colorado (for example), which has a great chance of winning in the next 2-3 years.

[BigMcK]

From what I am reading, Pierre McGuire was on Madden's show today. Madden asked him if he was worried about Sid not signing yet, and Pierre said "yes, it shouldn't be taking this long. If the Penguins lose Sid, there's a catastrophic problem in Pittsburgh."

Counterpoint: "Shut up, Pierre."

(I too am eager to see Sid suit up as a Pen for the remainder of his career, but I'm not gonna freak out about it yet, too many other real things to worry about day-to-day.)

.

Sports used to be a diversion to reality. Reality today stinks.

[Puck-Lurker]

From what I am reading, Pierre McGuire was on Madden's show today. Madden asked him if he was worried about Sid not signing yet, and Pierre said "yes, it shouldn't be taking this long. If the Penguins lose Sid, there's a catastrophic problem in Pittsburgh."

Counterpoint: "Shut up, Pierre."

(I too am eager to see Sid suit up as a Pen for the remainder of his career, but I'm not gonna freak out about it yet, too many other real things to worry about day-to-day.)

I'm not going to freak out if Sid leaves. Or be sad. Though I'd much rather he stay, Sid wants to leave then I'll have peace with it.

In the meantime, shut up Pierre.

[stonewizard51]

Sid has more than earned the right to do whatever he wants. If that means he goes elsewhere for a chance at another Cup, then I will support his decision 100 % and then some.

[ahawk9]

I agree. I really would love him to finish a Penguin but I totally understand that he may not want to slog through a tough rebuild during the last years of his career. Should he go somewhere else, I would not like it but I would support that decision. Honestly, I felt something was problematic with negotiations when nothing was announced July 1. If it was a slam dunk, as several people have intimated, then it should have been a quick signing that allowed KD to move on to other things. Something seems awry with this situation. I may be off base completely (I often am) but it just feels that negotiations have been difficult (and I don't mean in antagonistic, just not agreeing on term, money, both, or team direction).

I was wondering if Sid could maybe sign a one-year extension with a let's-wait-and-see agreement with KD. It gives a year of term that allows him to play without free agency hanging over him this season, and should he ask to be dealt to a contender, it might increase any return if that team knows they have him for another year. Teams would line up at the deadline and Dubas could get quite a haul. He could also deal Letang (if that rumor has any truth) and maybe Malkin is the only one of the 3 to actually finish his career in Pittsburgh.

If Crosby signs and ends his career in the 'burgh, I will be happy, even though the future is bleak playoff-wise. But if he wants to go somewhere else, the Pens could benefit immensely from a trade. It would give the organization a huge infusion of assets at the perfect time for a solid rebuild. If a trade happens, I assume Letang will agree to be dealt and Malkin will play out his contract and retire a Pen. EK would also bring in some assets, should ge want to be traded, and why would he not at that point? Pens would have gobs of cap space and picks/prospects that would perhaps minimize X Generation 2.0 from lasting so long.