The Pittsburgh Penguins will likely lock up Sidney Crosby for life with a contract extension this summer.

PITTSBURGH – As the Pittsburgh Penguins continue to fall further from contention, many people outside of the organization question the future of Sidney Crosby. Pundits have started to ride the wave of thought that sending Crosby to a new team where he can compete for the Stanley Cup is the best move for all involved.

Crosby is due for a contract extension when free agency opens this summer, and he and Penguins president Kyle Dubas didn’t get into details about contract talks. However, Dubas said he believes Crosby should be a Penguin for life.

Despite what Crosby or Dubas says, there will still likely be speculation about a divorce between the parties.

According to insider Rob Rossi of the Athletic, there is no need to worry, and Crosby isn’t going anywhere. Rossi joined the 93.7 the Fan Morning Show and said everyone can expect an extension as soon as he’s able.

“I would be very surprised if Crosby does not have an extension on July 1st or shortly after,” Rossi said. “I do believe it’s going to be somewhere in the three to four-year range, slightly more than his $8.7 million AAV.”

Rossi says Crosby has consistently stated his goal of playing and winning in Pittsburgh and nowhere else. His long-time teammates Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang were given proper extensions to be Penguins for life a few summers ago, and it’ll be Crosby’s turn next.

The influence of keeping Crosby in Pittsburgh spreads beyond the player or the fanbase.

“He’s going to finish his career in Pittsburgh, it’s going to be the only place he plays,” Rossi said. “The Penguins know it because the ownership has mandated it.”

When Fenway Sports Group purchased the Penguins, they did so with the goal of winning championships while keeping the core intact. Crosby, Malkin, and Letang will all stay in Pittsburgh forever, and no amount of outside talk will change that.

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