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Another Cup With Sidney Crosby? Josh Yohe Reveals Penguins Rebuild Timeline
The belief around the NHL is that the Pittsburgh Penguins are in for a long rebuild, but according to Josh Yohe, there's a way for this team to speed through things.
After another tough campaign in 2024/25, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been quiet in the off-season as they've looked to prioritize the future, adding some very intriguing names in the 2025 NHL Draft.
This has led many around the league to believe the team will not be contending for years as they enter a lengthy rebuild process, but according to a top insider, things could be done quicker than that, depending on how Sidney Crosby's future with the team plays out.
When asked about the Penguins future and potentially getting back into contention with 87 as the captain, Yohe makes it clear that for any of this to succeed, Crosby will likely need to sign another two-year deal after his current one ends, with the team also needing to get lucky in free agency and the draft.
I believe in Kyle Dubas and his ability to draft/ trade. With Sid getting closer to the end, do you think that Dubas can bring the team back to contention while Sid is still here? I think it's possible but I want to know if I'm a delusional fan or not, thank you!
Oh, I think it's possible. But it's also a matter of how much longer Sidney Crosby wants to play.
I suspect we are all in agreement that the 2025-26 Penguins aren't going to be very good. It would be extremely surprising if they make the playoffs, and downright shocking if they evolve into some kind of a contender. Stranger things have happened, but I can't really envision either of those things taking place.
Fast forward to a year from now, and Sid will be staring down the barrel of his 39th birthday and the final season on his contract. Might he retire following that season? It's in play. And it would be surprising if the Penguins were a legitimate contender that quickly.
But... if Sid signs another two-year deal in the summer of 2026? That would change things quite a bit because by then, the Penguins would have a chance to become legitimately good again. It doesn't have to take 10 years. It doesn't even have to take five. However, the right decisions must be made, and some luck in the draft lottery would certainly expedite things.
Oh, I think it's possible. But it's also a matter of how much longer Sidney Crosby wants to play.
I suspect we are all in agreement that the 2025-26 Penguins aren't going to be very good. It would be extremely surprising if they make the playoffs, and downright shocking if they evolve into some kind of a contender. Stranger things have happened, but I can't really envision either of those things taking place.
Fast forward to a year from now, and Sid will be staring down the barrel of his 39th birthday and the final season on his contract. Might he retire following that season? It's in play. And it would be surprising if the Penguins were a legitimate contender that quickly.
But... if Sid signs another two-year deal in the summer of 2026? That would change things quite a bit because by then, the Penguins would have a chance to become legitimately good again. It doesn't have to take 10 years. It doesn't even have to take five. However, the right decisions must be made, and some luck in the draft lottery would certainly expedite things.
This process would require a lot of things going right, like the team getting lucky in the 2026 NHL Draft lottery and potentially getting big name free agents to sign with the team, but if all of those things can go right for Dubas, there's no reason why this team can't contend again in Crosby's time.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 9 | 119 ANSWERS Another Cup With Sidney Crosby? Josh Yohe Reveals Penguins Rebuild Timeline Will the Penguins be a Stanley Cup contender before Sidney Crosby leaves? | ||
| Yes | 53 | 44.5 % |
| No | 66 | 55.5 % |
| List of polls | ||