Penguins' Sydney Crosby vows to play 3 more years in Pittsburgh, hopes Malkin, Letang stay too

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After an early first-round exit from the playoffs and with free agency approaching, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sydney Crosby told reporters Tuesday he "definitely" plans to play three more years.

During a season-ending press conference after the Pens were eliminated in a wild three-game comeback by the New York Rangers, Crosby, 34, said his goal is to play three more years, fulfilling the 12-year, $104.4 million contract he signed in 2012. He hopes to do so with two of Pittsburgh's top playmakers.  

Sidney Crosby (87) of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the New York Rangers in Game 7 of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs May 15, 2022, at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  (Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)

"Three, for sure — and then we'll see after that. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself," Crosby said. "Three, definitely. I'm glad [Evgeni Malkin] said three and [Kris Letang] said five-plus probably. Not surprised at either of those answers."

Malkin and Letang, who helped the Penguins win three Stanley Cup championships, could become free agents for the first time in July. 

RANGERS’ HISTORIC STANLEY CUP PLAYOFF FEAT AGAINST PENGUINS UNDERSCORES RESILIENCY 

According to The Athletic’s Rob Rossi, Malkin received an offer for around $5 million a year for the next three to four years but turned it down. Malkin said Tuesday that while he hopes to retire in Pittsburgh, "I know my price." 

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) celebrates with teammate Evgeni Malkin (71) after scoring during Game 5 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Rangers May 11, 2022, at Madison