The team's core, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, missed the playoffs together for the first time last year, signaling a potential end to their dominant era. In a bid to revitalize the team, Kyle Dubas was brought in, known for his analytical approach from his time in Toronto, but the Penguins find themselves lagging in the Metropolitan Division, with playoffs looking unlikely for a second consecutive season.
Injuries and aging stars add to the complexity, with Crosby's future contract sparking debate. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman hinted at a possible three-year extension for Crosby worth around $10M-$10.5M annually, a significant figure for a player approaching 40.
Despite Crosby's ongoing productivity, the team's overall performance has declined, and the lack of young talent and draft assets raises concerns about the long-term viability of their competitive status.
Dubas faces critical decisions, especially regarding Jake Guentzel's extension, which could set the direction for the Penguins' future. With a potential Crosby deal on the horizon, the management's strategy appears to be a delicate balancing act between honoring legacy and navigating financial and competitive realities.
As Read On Maple Leafs Daily
Insider reporting absurdly large preliminary new deal for Crosby
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Do you believe Kyle Dubas will do a good job as the Penguins GM? | ||
Yes | 588 | 53.8 % |
No | 505 | 46.2 % |
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