Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Penguins Enter Training Camp With Expectations and Contract Uncertainty
The Pittsburgh Penguins have started practicing for the new hockey season.
Their team includes famous players Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson.
Both players may become free agents after this season because their contracts are ending.
Crosby wants to keep playing, but he does not know exactly how many years he has left.
Karlsson also feels he can still play at a high level.
The Penguins made the playoffs last season after missing them for three years.
This has created higher hopes for the team.
If the Penguins do well, they may add players before the trade deadline.
If they struggle, the team could trade players whose contracts are ending.
The team is trying to compete now while also preparing for the future.
Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson are entering the final year of their contracts with Pittsburgh.
Crosby wants to play for several more years but has not specified a timeline for his next deal.
Karlsson, 36, has not discussed an extension with general manager Kyle Dubas and remains open to his future.
The Penguins ended a three-year playoff drought by finishing second in the Metropolitan Division last season.
Pittsburgh added depth during the offseason while aiming to remain competitive without sacrificing its long-term plans.
- Who
- The Pittsburgh Penguins, including Sidney Crosby, Erik Karlsson, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, are preparing for the season.
- What
- The Penguins opened training camp amid increased expectations and uncertainty about the futures of Crosby and Karlsson.
- When
- Training camp began Thursday; both players are entering the final year of their current contracts.
- Where
- Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.
- Why
- The Penguins are coming off a playoff return and must decide how to manage an aging core while pursuing continued contention.
Commit to the Current Core
Wait for More Evidence
Crosby's future
Commit to the Current Core
Crosby wants to continue playing for several years, and Penguins assistant general manager Jason Spezza said the organization expects him to play for a long time if he continues feeling this way.
Wait for More Evidence
Crosby is approaching his 40th birthday, and the length, timing and value of a new contract remain unresolved.
Karlsson's future
Commit to the Current Core
Karlsson says he feels good, believes he has many years left and would like to remain part of Pittsburgh's future.
Wait for More Evidence
Karlsson has not discussed an extension with Dubas, and a poor season could lead Pittsburgh to find a new team for him or other players on expiring contracts.
Team strategy
Commit to the Current Core
A strong season could encourage Dubas to add to the roster at the trade deadline for a playoff run.
Wait for More Evidence
Dubas has emphasized building a consistent contender rather than pushing all the team's resources into one final effort centered on its veteran stars.
- Team
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Training camp location
- Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
- Sidney Crosby contract
- Final season; current average annual value is $8.7 million
- Erik Karlsson age
- 36
- Recent team result
- Second place in the Metropolitan Division last season
- Playoff drought ended
- The Penguins returned to the playoffs after three years
- Karlsson's 2024-25 production
- 15 goals, 51 assists and a plus-8 rating