Sidney Crosby, Penguins Targeting 10-Year Extension, According To Reports

Elliot Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada reported during the Hot Stove segment of the broadcast during Saturday's Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals that the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby are targeting a 10-year, $90 million extension when the two sides can begin talks on July 1.

The numbers are quite hefty, especially given Crosby's recent injury troubles, however the two sides are confident that a deal that benefits both sides can be worked out.

Considering that if Crosby were to sign the contract, it would cause a $9 million hit to the cap every season and could handcuff the team when trying to re-sign players such as Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal and Kris Letang. The writers at Pensburgh, however, feel that even with Crosby potentially signing for such a high amount, the current cap will still allow some breathing room.

"[U]nder current protocol, the maximum salary is 20% of the upper limit. Twenty percent of 70 million is $14 million, so if Crosby does agree to a long-term deal at around his current $8.7 million cap hit, it will represent significant savings for the team and could be helpful on future contracts."

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