NHL Rumor Mill – September 7, 2024
The latest on Sidney Crosby’s contract talks with the Penguins, the Ducks are discussing a trade with Cam Fowler, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
SPORTSNET: In his latest “32 Thoughts” podcast episode, Elliotte Friedman believes the Pittsburgh Penguins have made “a bunch of different offers” to team captain Sidney Crosby. He thinks the 37-year-old center is weighing whether he’ll be able to handle if the retooling Penguins miss the playoffs again while he’s still on top of his game.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (NHL Images).
Friedman still thinks Crosby will re-sign with the Penguins but believes the future Hall-of-Famer wanted to take his time to decide.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby and the Penguins could announce an agreement by the opening day of training camp. Nevertheless, the closer we get to camp without an extension for Crosby, the more speculation about his future in Pittsburgh.
Cam Fowler’s tenure with the Anaheim Ducks could come to an end. Friedman reports the 32-year-old defenseman is engaged in discussions regarding trade options with Ducks management. He believes at some point they’ll have to start taking some ice time away from Fowler to allow their younger blueliners to develop.
Fowler has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $6.5 million with a four-team trade list. Friedman indicates the veteran rearguard could consider more teams as trade destinations. He also adds that it’s been a “positive working relationship” between the two sides.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It doesn’t sound like the Ducks are rushing to trade Fowler. Nevertheless, it’s worthwhile to determine where he sees himself and where they feel he fits in their future roster.
Fowler will become an unrestricted free agent in July 2026. He’ll likely no longer fit into the Ducks’ long-term plans by then. Attempting to trade him this season would enable interested clubs to have him on their roster for two postseason runs. The Ducks could also use their cap space to retain part of Fowler’s cap hit if it’ll sweeten the return.
Friedman speculated the St. Louis Blues might’ve been one of the teams interested in Fowler. However, he doesn’t think they have the room to acquire him now.
Speaking of the Ducks, Friedman believes they’ve been working with goaltender John Gibson to find him a new home. “That’s just been going on longer,” he said.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gibson first surfaced in the media rumor mill two years ago and has continued since. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $6.4 million and a 10-team no-trade list.
The Ducks’ unwillingness to retain salary is believed to be why Gibson hasn’t been moved. The recent decline in his performance is another factor but that can be chalked up in part to the quality of the team in front of him during that time.
Friedman reported the Toronto Maple Leafs are believed to be discussing a contract extension with Jake McCabe. The 31-year-old defenseman is in the final season of his contract with an AAV of $4 million with a modified no-trade clause. Half of that cap hit is carried by his former club, the Chicago Blackhawks.
My favourite part of the Crosby speculation was weeks ago when rumour had it he would sign an extension on his birthday and the dollars would share some similarity to the number on his jersey, because apparently he lets superstition dictate his life.
Trade Crosby and Letang and first round for Marner to Toronto
Wow..that is a trade bomb
Can you imagine the Leafs getting Crosby and Letang..
Wow.
I dont think Sid is going anywhere but the three teams if he ever did leave Colorado Montreal Toronto.
Hockey night in Canada just perked up..lol
as someone who has no interest in either club….that’s not a terrible deal. It’s almost an overpay for Marner. I mean, you’re asking the leafs to take on what’s left of Letang’s salary—he’s not the player he once was. You’re hoping for what…1 or 2 more seasons of Crosby magic specifically in the playoffs. Heck I’d play him like the Raptors did with Kawhi Leonard. “load management”. Would suck for the fans but if he could push that Leaf team over the top in the playoffs. Marner is an elite talent. But I like Sid and Kris (and his salary and whatever it costs for Crosby) straight up. It’ll never happen. But. That’s an intriguing deal.
And similarity to Sid’s birthday which is 8/1/87?
8/7/87 you mean? I share the date just off by a couple years.
Re
“. He thinks the 37-year-old center is weighing whether he’ll be able to handle if the retooling Penguins miss the playoffs again while he’s still on top of his game.”
Agree fully except “if” needs to be replaced by “when”
I love Crosby and want him to stay; but there is no incentive (beyond his own respect for the city, franchise, teammates, fans) for him to stay
2 years in a row out of the playoffs and the team as is; is not better than last year and other Eastern Wildcard hopefuls have gotten better
Only 5 top 6 players
Dubas has positioned the team to run with a very slow footed 100’ player that doesn’t use his size; at 3C
As 14 players from last year’s opening day roster are back (all will be one year older this opening day) and 1 D-man was replaced by someone 5 1/2 years older; the new younger additions didn’t effectively make the team younger
as at now , team shown on Puckpedia will be (within 1 decimal place) on opening day this year, the same average age as 23 man roster was last October
The teams bottom 6 still not great
Only 2 true NHL RDs (Letang and Karllsson). Perhaps St. Ivany with sheltered minutes might be ok. Just 14 total NHL games; huge gamble. And then no one else if he goes down. I’m not confident that works.
Overall our D is worse than last year
Bunting no matter what; is not going to score at Guentzel levels
I can’t possibly see the infusion of the likes of McGroarty, Poulin etc types ; making up the difference of goals lost
So at the very best, status quo re game points with other Eastern Wildcard hopefuls improving; I absolutely don’t blame Crosby for not re-upping yet
I’m hoping this holdout incentivizes Dubas to improve the team. It still can be done by the way.
@87
it is a long season and between cold spells+injuries etc alot can happen. i still think makes sense for Sid to see if this roster can make one last run together and deciding what to do @ TDL
IF the Pens can improve that powerplay(even with their age how does that first unit not finish more) that adds a few wins for sure
You have hit on a good point
The absolute best improvement Pens made; and it was huge; was Quinn in replacing Rierdon
That should get at least 8 of more PP goals this year; equating to hopefully 4-6 more game points
Not sure if that’s enough though
When you say that it makes sense for Crosby
Mincing words here, I believe most of us armchair GMs here might believe it would make sense for Crosby if we were Crosby
We can’t possibly know what he’s going through other than angish
I’m hoping your right and hd stays and miracle season happens to get them in
I’m not convinced though
If Sullivan let’s youngsters play and/or gets improvements; and does not let Accairi, Nieto, and Gryzlyck play and has Hayes with a very very limited leash, then their might be an outside shot at playoffs
Remember, burying Accairi and having any youth forward replace him; not only improves team; but actually nets space ($1.15 M buried replaced by $775 K – $950 K)
I cannot see #87 not wanting another playoff run if he is playing at last seasons level again.
no way. if he is still this good and healthy and the Pens dont have a chance…. he is gone for a race. his compete level is still all world.
watch him re-sign tomorrow….
as a hockey fan it would be a shame not seem him play May hockey again.
@8787 Fully agree. If I were Crosby, I would wait to see how the season goes. If the Pens are contenders at trade deadline and Dubas moves to help, it might be worth it. If not, let the Pens capitalizes on trading him, and Crosby on signing where the hell he wants come summer.
Sadly for us, yes that is what Crosby SHOULD do
Certainly if I was in his shoes; I’d do it
…and as usual, it will be with the Smurfs on Broadway (we might learn that he had Rags pajamas as a kid).
Crosby s decision loyalty over chasing the cup!I think he’s a very competitive player that continues to play at a high leve!Must decide soon or he will become a version of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews!
Sadly agree
It’s only his nature and loyalty that has prevented his asking for s trade (a logical move for pretty well every other player if in same situation)
I am convinced Crosby is pondering term only. He must have the Olympics in his purview.
3 year trade friendly and cap friendly
deal ? Where he has full NMC and decides if and where . Alternatively simply finishes as a Pen
Ducks are loaded on the backend with young talent. WHL OHL & Q defence men of the year 2022-2021
I think they need a veteran back there and can afford Fowler. I would not be in a rush unless he is .
I really don’t think it’s term (holding up Crosby signing) at all Silver Seven
He knows he’s definitely going to play in 25/26 (Olympic year) for sure; and if that was his only desire; even with the poor roster in front of him; one more year wouldn’t kill him.
The issue has to be where he plays out his career
I can certainly envision something like this happening at trade deadline :Crosby to Avs to play with MacKinnon; boosting Avs to top 3 favs for cup
1) Penguins pay another team a 3rd to retain 25% (about $185,000 cash [25% season left * 25% retained of full season $3 M)
2) Penguins retain 50% on Crosby; so Avs get him at just a Cap hit of $0.54 M (25% and season only has 25% left)
3) Avs must take Accairi (but they’ll bury him)
4)Pens get 1st (‘26); Ritchie; 2nd ‘25
Then potentially after winning another cup, Crosby signs back with Pens to end Career
Why?
In summer 25/26; move out Hayes and Nedjelkovic
This is what Crosby would have to look forward to in 25/26 compared to this year
Out:
Hayes
Eller
Accairi
Nieto
Grzlyk
Beuavillier
Lizotte
Nedjelkovic
Regulars INTO line up:
McGroarty
Ritchie
Blomquist
Pickering
Howe
Brunicke
Pomorinov
Poulin
St Ivany
Plus tons of space for useful 26-28 year old UFAs
And : Pens would have a total of 9 picks in first three rounds of ‘25 and ‘26
Maybe Penguins get lucky and get Bedard’s cousin in ‘26?!?!?!
That’s an incentive to end his career as a Penguin
As at now; there is no logical reason to stay. It’s just his unselfish nature and dedication to this franchise; his teammates; this city and us fans that have kept him from asking for a trade
Hard to think of any player in his position; that wouldn’t be pondering getting out
I’m confident he would have already re-upped if Dubas had at least got a top 6 winger over the summer.
Would ya take Chytl, Kakko and a 2nd for Crosby @ 50% retained?
Crosby with lighter workload in NY as they have two good centers. He can sign a 3 or 4 yr deal
BRing up Othman to play with him
And Gabe Perrault leave school to play with him too
Or Cuyle and Othman.
stop with the long story telling
odo, like his alter-ego he can’t give you the time without a dissertation on how to build a watch.
Discussion about various aspects of teams, players, coaches, GMs and, indeed, the NHL in particular is one thing … we all have ideas and observations open to debate – but to try and come across – daily – that somehow we, in here – all merely fans after all – know better than those who have devoted their lives to running a professional enterprise – do this and you will win … keep so-and-so and you’re an idiot – is nothing more than hubris in the extreme.
I wish I would have read this earlier ..
1. I can’t believe how time flies..
Crosby is 37
2. Believe it or not , guess who is training together , as we speak
Crosby , Nathan McKinnon and MITCH MARNER!!!
The word is out , Marner is had his most passionate off season training ever !
Does this mean 87 is contemplating a relocate to Hogtown , which is the Capitol of hockey – the Toronto Maple Leafs !!!
Dubas – U owe us for your blunders in the past !!!
Dubas owes us for his current Penguins blunders
Gotta think if he waves; it’s to a Western team that has a cup chance
Avs fit that bill
Wow..that is a trade bomb
Can you imagine the Leafs getting Crosby and Letang..
Wow.
I dont think Sid is going anywhere but the three teams if he ever did leave Colorado Montreal Toronto.
Hockey night in Canada just perked up..lol
8787
Dubas didnt create much of the ineptitude of HEXTALL Burke.
the bottom six will be better faster younger Glass Mcgroarty Beauviller Lizotte ponomarev
The power play if itz just league average we are a playoff team.
O’Connor will also be on the third line to add youth speed forecheck.
Hayes O’Connor ponomarev third line
Lizotte mcgroarty glass 4th line major upgreades.
Eller will b moved nieto Ltr accairi press box or moved.
Or does it mean that Marner will inform the Leafs that he would accept a trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Colorado Avalanche?
NO — 87
Crosby has his heart ❤️ desire to play with Mitch Marner !!!’
This would “truly” put Toronto over the top !!!
I will sleep 😴 so , so well contemplating this most magical happening !!!
One of the core problems with the last GM and seems to be similar with this GM is paying out assets for rugged hard hitting defensemen and then letting them walk out the door for nothing snd leaving the cupboards bare:
Ilya Lyabushkin (twice)
Joel Edmundson
Luke Schemn
I think Treveling did well resigning Simon Benoit and getting zchrisctsnev, and hopefully they find a way to keep Jake McCabe.
I’m not convinced this will be a stronger team than the ones prior.
Does Anthony Stolsrz move the needle? If the needle was a record player it would be like flipping the z45 over to play the other side.
Should the Leafs plan the parade with Stolarz in net? If he gets injured then whst? Put Matt Murray in net?
Can Morgan Rielly ever be less predicable and shoot the puck from point? Will Nylander stop giving up the puck on the power play? Will Mitch Marner ever remove the eggs in his pockets?
@Frank
1.Oliver E Larson might be patrolling the #1 Powerplay
2. There is a revamped coaching staff on board , HOPING the power play will be restructured to a more positive status , as well as distributing more responsibility to other players in the lineup, as a whole!
3. I believe Marners passion this off season , as mentioned above , trading with Crosby and McKinnon will be a giant step forward , and another huge factor will be the mentoring under Berube and his fellow coaches !
Berube supposedly will have “raw” meat in Marners pockets to snack upon in between shifts !!!
4. Joseph Woll will have a breakout year , Stolarz , I believe will get his share of duties between the pipes as well
Let’s cross our fingers , both stay healthy
Ps – Woll has a “stellar” attitude !
5. I also agree very much Jake McCabe needs to remain tenure being a Leaf
6. I was upset Leafs didn’t resign Luke Schenn , O’Reilly might of been a been a factor luring him over to Nashville