The Daily: What Crosby Contract Delay Means; NHL Draft Study

The idea of Sidney Crosby wearing any NHL jersey other than the Pittsburgh Penguins seemed far-fetched earlier this summer. But with no indication that the Penguins and Crosby are close on a deal, there’s talk about Pittsburgh’s post-Crosby world.

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now offers an insightful look at what the fallout will be if the Penguins trade Crosby.

“While the focus has remained on the probability of a new contract or pondering why Crosby may not stick through the coming rebuild, few have pondered the potential fallout,” Kingerski wrote. “And it could be cataclysmic. ”

Kingerski looks at what it would mean for Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin, and wonders if Erik Karlsson would want to stay. He ponders how Pittsburgh fans, accustomed to stars and highly competitive teams, will react to the team entering a rebuilding mode. Will fans stop attending games?

“That one should scare everyone now or when Crosby retires,” Kingerski writes.

Kingerski gives the reader plenty to think about in this exploration of the Crosby saga. 

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

A Sportsnet study proves former Detroit GM Ken Holland’s regime didn’t draft well in the latter stages of his career here.  The Red Wings only drafted 13 players from 2010-19 who logged 200 or more games in the NHL.

Detroit UFAs Taro Hirose and Matt Luff are among the players still without jobs for the 2024-25 season.

Paywall story: The Red Wings’ rookie team roster for Traverse City has several free agent tryout players, but there a few players that will require our attention, including Czech Extraliga top scorer Jakub Rychlovsky. To buy a yearly subscription to paywall stories, click here. 

Red Wings Offseason

Skelleftea lost 3-2 to the German team Straubing in a shootout. Detroit 2023 first-round pick Axel Sandin Pellikka was out of the Skelleftea lineup (day to day) with injury. Detroit’s 2024 first-round pick Michael Brandsegg-Nygard posted an assist. The young Norwegian has two assists and four shots on goal in his first two games for Skelleftea in Champions League play.

Hockey Now Network

Florida: George Richards writes that the Panthers are ready to turn the page. They are preparing a defense for their Stanley Cup title. Florida Panthers.

Montreal: MHN looks at the history the Habs number changes. Montreal Canadiens.

Washington: Nathan Moser identifies four Washington players who could produce career highs in 2024-25. Washington Capitals.