Sidney Crosby's future in Pittsburgh in jeopardy due to recent reports

«As previously reported, Crosby may command a higher cap hit than the $8.7 million from each of his past 16 seasons. But his new contract will not go into effect until 2025-26, and the Penguins project to have considerably more cap space to work with for that season and beyond — in part because the cap is expected to exceed $90 million by then, and also due to Malkin's anticipated retirement after his current contract expires.»

«Crosby is not necessarily seeking his final NHL contract. However, he also hasn't set a firm date for when he plans to retire, so a shorter-term deal than he's signed in the past is appealing, a source said.»