Overview
- Pittsburgh lost to Philadelphia in six games in the opening round, ending the club's first playoff trip since 2022.
- Asked about playing with Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, Sidney Crosby called them "like family" and said "hopefully we can keep it going."
- Crosby, 38, has one season left on a two-year, $17.4 million deal that carries a full no-trade clause.
- Malkin heads into free agency with talks described as quiet, leaving his return to Pittsburgh unresolved.
- The trio has played 20 straight seasons together, with Crosby posting 74 points in 68 games this year to lead the playoff push.