The Pittsburgh Penguins Are Still a Work in Progress Even With the Sidney Crosby Extension

The Penguins Still Have Work To Do To Get Sidney Crosby Back In Contention

TSN Scouting Director Craig Button joined Gino Reda on Leso Hockey to discuss Sidney Crosby's new extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins and whether they can fight for another Stanley Cup and make the playoffs.

Writing for NHLRumors.com

Sidney Crosby Committed to Victory in Pittsburgh

Gino Reda: “Alongside our Director of Scouting, Craig Button, Craig, Kyle Dubas and the one I'm quoted now, Sid's commitment has reaffirmed our urgency to build a team around him that can get our team back into contention.” Complete the Quote. Nice words. He is the General Manager. What else will he say? But to be honest, what are the chances of this team fighting again while Sidney Crosby is still wearing their uniform.”

Craig Button: “The quick answer is that it's still a work in progress. We're talking about a team that missed the playoffs the last two seasons. But during the conversation that Kyle Dubas and Sidney Crosby would have, it was to understand from Sidney Crosby's point of view, okay, what does the future look like? Because we know Sidney Crosby is 100% committed to winning.

He is one of the best players in the NHL at the age of 37, and there are no signs of slowing down in his play. So now for Kyle Dubas to be able to reveal what his plan is and how they are going to go about it. Of course, Sidney Crosby's contract extension gives them a lot of cap flexibility.

That speaks volumes for Crosby's commitment to letting Kyle Dubas build the team. But you can't miss the playoffs the way the Pittsburgh Penguins did the last two seasons and just wait to snap your fingers that you'll be back in contention.

But when you have Sidney Crosby, and they've made some moves to make their team a little bit better, but to be a real, true contender, there's still work to be done, but certainly Gino, I have to believe Sidney Crosby. he believes in the plan of this extended agreement.”