My reasoning? Our goaltending is too young, while the core is getting too old especially Letang. I know people are going to come for me over this, but that's how I see it. Feel free to disagree, but I think that's the reality.

Well, we're here. He's entering the final year of that, at the time, historic 8 year $92M contract. While it's still $11.5M against the cap, his actual cash this year is just $7.5.

Last season (his age 35 season) was his best as a Penguin by every metric. 66 points in 75 games, was his best since that 101 point season in 22-23 in SJ. However, his minutes were just over 23 per night, as opposed to 25+ in SJ.

He seems to be much better suited to Dan Muse's system, which is not a surprise for a defensemen of his style. He's much better surfing a forward, angling him out, and taking the puck, than playing it old school skating backward in the lane, looking to block a shot or hit the guy if he makes a move, and that's just one small piece of the increased comfort.

I also have to note that he and Sid have really developed a connection on the ice at this point. His ability to find sticks instead of taking a shot, and Sid's uncanny ability to re-direct that puck to corners or across grain gives goalies and D fits. I feel like there was even more of that last season that prior. All around forwards are getting that from him and learning how to play off him on the point.

On the other hand, he's 36 now, and this team is not exactly loaded for a deep run this year, or likely next. I can be proven wrong on the latter, but I'd have to see some moves. How much longer can he keep it up? Guys who have wheels and depend on them have a bit of a cliff - see eg Tanger, who's lost a few steps and it shows.

So, what do you do? Try to get something for him at the deadline? Extend him a year at a time? What's his value if you extend him for next season? Word on the street is he loves it in Pittsburgh and does not want to go anywhere, on the other hand, is that Stanley itch going to creep in for a great who's never raised it?

Honestly, depending on the market, I don't hate the idea of giving him an 1 year extension at $6-7M. The money is there. Better options likely are not. The PP was near the top of the league last season in no small part because of him, and who do we have to QB that thing next year if he walks? I think a lot depends on if the Pens can find a #1LD at some point this year.

What say you summer commentariat?

Like this one

Crosby: "Can you even see the cup? We won it, I swear".

Wednesday, July 15 - Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Top videos

Top Remaining