Veteran forward Kevin Hayes joined after an underwhelming season in St. Louis, along with a 2025 second-round draft pick, a not inconsequential development for one of the league's oldest teams. Defenseman Sebastian Aho signed a two-year deal as the Penguins attempt to fortify the blue line behind Letang, Karlsson and Marcus Pettersson.

Crosby’s contract is designated 35-plus, a notable status per the collective bargaining agreement between the NHL and its Players Association. The contract includes two signing bonuses — a choice, essentially, by Crosby and agent Pat Brisson to get the bulk of the actual money paid before Crosby plays the final season of the new deal.

While it took Crosby and the Penguins a few months to strike a deal, many speculated that the state of the team might run the captain out of town. Crosby is known as one of the sp