Breaking: Kyle Dubas Makes Bold Statement as He Addresses Contract Demands and Future of 3 Key Players… 

With the offseason winding down, the Pittsburgh Penguins have largely completed their roster additions, focusing on a long-term approach rather than making major splashes. The next order of business is to address the futures of several key players entering the final year of their contracts. Here’s a look at the decisions the Penguins could—and perhaps should—make regarding these players.

Sidney Crosby: Re-sign

The most significant pending free agent is, of course, the captain, Sidney Crosby. It’s surprising that Crosby and the Penguins haven’t yet agreed to a new contract. This delay raises questions about whether Crosby is waiting to see how the season unfolds and the team’s direction. Despite these uncertainties, it seems likely that Crosby will eventually re-sign. He remains an elite player with several good years ahead, making his retention crucial for both sentimental and practical reasons.

Marcus Pettersson: Shop

Marcus Pettersson, one of the Penguins’ best defensemen, presents an interesting case. While he excels defensively and is still under 30, his next contract could be costly. If the Penguins are focusing on the long term, trading Pettersson could bring in a valuable return. Given his skill set and market value, shopping him might be the best move, despite his current importance to the team.

Lars Eller: Shop

Lars Eller, a solid defensive center, should be an easy decision to trade. At 35 years old, he has no long-term future with the Penguins but still holds significant trade value. Trading Eller could land the Penguins a second-round pick or more, making this a logical move as they look to build for the future.

Drew O’Connor: Re-sign

Drew O’Connor, while not a core player, has shown promise and is worth retaining. At a reasonable price, he can provide solid middle-six depth and has potential for further development. Re-signing O’Connor ensures the Penguins maintain a competent roster without breaking the bank.

Jesse Puljujarvi: Wait and See

Jesse Puljujarvi deserves a chance to prove himself this season. While he may never become a star, his defensive abilities and possession-driving skills could carve out a role for him. The Penguins should use this season as an audition for Puljujarvi before making any long-term decisions.

Matt Nieto: Shop or Let Walk

Matt Nieto, with one year remaining on a $900,000 contract, doesn’t add much that can’t be replaced in the next offseason. The Penguins should shop him, and if no deal materializes, letting him walk as a free agent is a viable option.