Sidney Crosby’s next contract not tied to $24.4M Penguins star’s future
Sidney Crosby is expected to make his next contract decision, or at least start discussing it, starting in July. He will be eligible to sign an extension after the NHL free agency begins. That decision from Crosby is independent of Evgeni Malkin’s future with the Pittsburgh Penguins , according to insights shared by NHL insider Josh Yohe.
In a recent mailbag, Yohe addressed questions about whether Malkin’s situation could influence Crosby’s next deal. While acknowledging that Crosby would like to see his longtime teammate return, Yohe suggested the captain’s decision will stand on its own. MORE: Sidney Crosby makes NHL history with unreal 21st season record “Crosby will want Malkin to come back, yes,” Yohe wrote .
“But I think he’ll sign another contract whether Malkin returns or not. I don’t like speaking for Crosby, but that’s my sense. He’s still playing at a high level, still enjoying himself, and the Penguins are good again.
” Yohe noted how Crosby is still fully engaged with the team. Malkin, currently on a four-year deal worth $24. 4 million, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025–26 season.
Yohe indicated there is a growing belief that this could be Malkin’s final season in Pittsburgh, though no final decision has been made. “I have long believed this is Malkin’s last season in Pittsburgh. I still do, based on what I’ve been told.