There was speculation that Crosby, known for his superstitious tendencies, might sign on his birthday, August 7. When that didn’t happen, Rossi clarified that it was never a planned date for the contract signing. He emphasized that both Crosby and the Penguins remain confident in reaching a deal, with sources suggesting that Crosby has informed close friends of his intention to stay in Pittsburgh. This sentiment was echoed by Rossi’s colleague, Josh Yohe, on August 13, who also noted that while the delay in finalizing the contract was unusual, there is no risk of Crosby leaving the Penguins.

Kelsey Surmacz of The Hockey News addressed the panic and speculation that followed Crosby’s decision not to sign on his birthday, stating that there is no indication he plans to go elsewhere. However, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette pointed out the “weird amount of silence” surrounding Crosby’s contract talks, describing the situation as “more worrisome.” Mackey even suggested that it might be in Crosby’s best interest to pursue a Stanley Cup with another team and hinted that the Penguins could benefit from a roster overhaul. Despite these concerns, Mackey doesn’t see either scenario playing out.

The uncertainty surrounding Crosby’s contract has led some fans to question whether he still wants to stay with the Penguins if they are no longer a Cup contender. Speculation has also emerged about what a hypothetical trade might look like. Yohe believes that Crosby is committed to finishing his career with the Penguins, regardless of the team’s status. He speculates that a potential trade could involve a 2025 first-round pick, a 2026 first-rounder, a top prospect, and a young NHL player, with the Penguins likely absorbing some of Crosby’s salary.

While it still seems likely that Crosby will sign an extension, possibly before training camp begins next month, the longer this situation remains unresolved, the more questions and concerns will arise among Penguins fans