Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby is still weighing his option on whether or not to play overseas, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Crosby is currently just taking part in informal workouts at Southpointe.
The Pens' star is hanging around hoping the league and players union can soon reach a new collective bargaining agreement, so he can return to work. If that doesn't happen soon, Crosby maybe forced to go play in Europe like many other NHL players. The Post-Gazette writes:
Crosby's desire to see the lockout conclude isn't the only thing he has in common with a lot of co-workers, because he is at least considering the idea of playing in Europe until labor peace returns to the NHL.
However, Crosby's decision to play in Europe may not be that easy, says Molinari, because a European team will need to take on the large financial burden a player like Crosby will ask for.
Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, told a Canadian radio station recently that insuring a significant amount (though not all) of Crosby's future earnings -- he is scheduled to be paid $7.5 million in 2012-13 before a 12-year, $104.4 million deal kicks in -- could cost between $200,000 and $400,000 per month.
The Pens' star is still holding out hope that the NHL lockout will be lifted soon and a decision to play or not play overseas will be made for him.
Currently, the Penguins' first regular-season game is schedule for Oct. 25.