The risk for the big reward: The Penguins should pay Crosby whatever he wants

By Ron Cook
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/
June 12, 2012

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 20: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Consol Energy Center on April 20, 2012 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Penguins general manager Ray Shero doesn't need my advice, your advice or anybody's advice. He's a smart man. He's very good at what he does. He gets it.

"What? Are we not going to pay Sidney Crosby?" Shero asked. "He'll tell us what he wants and we'll pay it."

That was in July 2010 when Crosby was, undisputedly, the best hockey player in the world. It was six months before he left the lineup for the first extended time because of concussion-like symptoms. He returned to play eight games in November 2011 before being out for another prolonged period because of more concussion-like symptoms that were attributed to a neck injury. Now, as a result, some consider him to be -- potentially -- damaged goods.

It doesn't matter.

The strategy has to be the same for the Penguins now as it was two years ago.

They need to pay Crosby whatever he wants for as long as he wants.

If you believe the speculation -- it has been ongoing for months because Crosby can become an unrestricted free agent after the 2012-13 season -- it could happen soon. CBC in Canada speculated over the weekend the Penguins and Crosby are close to a 10-year, $90 million deal. That doesn't seem quite right because of the money. It's foolish to think $90 million isn't a lot, but Crosby could do so much better on the open market. CBC's reasoning for him taking less here is that he's happy in Pittsburgh and wants to give Shero wiggle room to sign other players because he wants so badly to win multiple Stanley Cup titles. That's exactly what Crosby did with his previous contract for $8.7 million a year. I've never been one to hold it against any pro athlete for trying to get as much as he can. Careers are short and can end at any time. Crosby should realize that better than anyone. But if he's willing to take $9 million a year, that's great for the Penguins. It seems like a steal for the club, actually.


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