Pittsburgh's hockey star Sidney Crosby stands firm with the Penguins, enduring a continuous rebuilding phase with no defined conclusion.
In the world of ice hockey, the Pittsburgh Penguins are making a significant change as they embark on a new era. The Penguins' general manager, Kyle Dubas, believes that Jim Muse, their new head coach, is the right man to guide them through this transition.
The Penguins have not qualified for the postseason since 2022 and haven't won a playoff series since 2018. This season, expectations for the team are relatively low, but that doesn't seem to phase Sidney Crosby, the team's captain and a franchise icon.
Crosby, who is currently in his 21st season with the Penguins, is 38 years old and shows no signs of slowing down. He has averaged at least a point a game in an NHL record 20 seasons and remains one of the league's best players. Crosby's current contract, worth $17.4 million for two years, ends after the 2025/26 NHL season.
Dubas is confident that the Penguins' retooling will be completed while Crosby is still at the top of his game. He compares Crosby to former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who remained prolific into his mid-40s. Crosby's commitment and competitive streak have not waned, despite the team's current state.
Muse, a 43-year-old former NCAA Division III grinder, oversees a team that includes Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, as well as relative newcomers. Crosby is encouraged by his early interactions with Muse and the familiar jolt of adrenaline he felt when he skated onto the ice.
Crosby's longtime agent, Pat Brisson, stated that Crosby's goal is to win "another Stanley Cup or two." Dubas shares this ambition and aims to construct a team that will return the Penguins to their 2010s form, when they were annually a threat to win the Stanley Cup.
However, Dubas has no plans to acquire veteran players solely to sneak into the postseason. The Penguins' current state suggests it is unlikely they will win a championship this season or possibly the next one. But with Crosby's leadership and Muse's guidance, there is hope for a brighter future for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Crosby is aware of the Penguins' considerable salary cap space this season, a rarity during the club's Cup-winning days in the 2010s. He is trying to appreciate the time he has left in his career, at least when he's not gasping for breath during training camp. Despite the challenges ahead, Crosby remains focused on how he prepares, plays, and leads.
As the new season approaches, the Pittsburgh Penguins are ready to face the challenges head-on, with Crosby leading the charge and Muse at the helm. The team may not have the expectations of past seasons, but with their determination and the right strategy, they are poised to make a comeback.
