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It’s pretty rare for a 36-year-old to be having as impactful of a season as Sidney Crosby has enjoyed this year. His 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points in 67 games has been a bright spot for a Pittsburgh Penguins squad that hasn’t seen many those as of late.
But that’s just “Sid” — he has never scored below a point per game during his 19-year career. Captaining the Penguins to three Stanley Cups over that time has firmly cemented his place among the Steel City greats.
With one year left remaining on his contract and the Penguins’ dominance in the East waning, now would naturally be the time to wonder if Crosby will enter the free-agent market in search of one last championship to add to his portfolio.
In an interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun at the GMs meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas implied he’s not prepared to let that happen.
“I think everyone’s been pretty clear on where they stand on the fact that everyone would like to see him end his career in Pittsburgh, and it’s my intention that in those years that we’re back and definitely competitive,” Dubas told LeBrun.
Given that, Dubas has been keeping the line of communication between himself and Crosby open, listening to his opinions and ideas on where the team is headed.
Despite that, the GM’s main priority is to ensure the roster stays competitive both now and in the future — which includes making the tough, and unpopular, decision to trade winger Jake Guentzel, with whom Crosby played much of the last seven years.
Dubas’ task of keeping the team competitive while also replenishing the prospect pipeline is tough, but one he was prepared to take on when he left Toronto last season.
With rumours still abound about the split between Dubas and the Toronto Maple Leafs — the team he managed since 2017 — the 38-year-old remained tight-lipped about his personal feelings regarding last year’s messy spring.
“I think it’s more that I just simply don’t want to create any waves in my wake because they impact a lot of people who I care about and loved working with — and I want to see them have success,” Dubas told LeBrun.
“Unloading my personal feelings is what a lot of people want — and it may make me feel good in the short run — but it’s not of any benefit to the Pittsburgh Penguins or the dozens of players and staff in Toronto who I want to see have success.”
His main priority now is in Pittsburgh, and ensuring one of the greatest to ever play the game remains a Penguin for life.
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