Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby has spoken openly about the possibility of a protocol extension. The Daily Faceoff released Crosby’s comments on the matter while he was attending the NHL’s North American Players Tour in Las Vegas.
Crosby said of the protocol extension talks:
While these comments underscore Sidney Crosby’s efforts to make the Penguins fan base fearless, he’s staying in Steeltown. And more importantly, Crosby’s comments continue to point to a general timeline: before the season even begins. If that’s the case, then the pledge before the season’s start would have started to remove passive distractions from the Pittsburgh locker room.
As Daily Faceoff may have pointed out, Crosby plans to be part of the Penguins’ future in the short to medium term. and that statement continues to point to Crosby passively signing a four or five-year pledge, not the maximum eight-year pledge agreed to by the current CBA.
It’s worth noting that Sidney Crosby served 12 years in the protocol under the rules of the previous CBA. That rule was changed in 2013, which put an eight-year limit on players re-signing protocol extensions. and in the meantime, Penguins fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing Crosby has no intention of leaving Pittsburgh.
Sidney Crosby And The Penguins Looking To Get Back Into Playoff Conversation
Then again, the last few seasons have been tough for Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. They have missed the playoffs two consecutive seasons, raising questions about the team’s ambition.
Crosby addressed the situation:
Daily Faceoff quoted Crosby as saying that missing out on the playoffs is a sad moment for Crosby and Penguins fans. However, there is a sense of optimism about next season.
Crosby added:
The Pens hope that momentum continues this season. Pittsburgh will be testing for playoff spots with the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals. On top of that, the New Jersey Devils will look to return, making the test even tougher in the Metro Division. The good news is that Crosby is eager to get on the ice. That said:
Based on those comments, Penguins supporters will have a lot to look forward to this upcoming season.
