Sidney Crosby’s Legendary Trio Makes NHL History with 20 Seasons Together
On Tuesday night, history was made in the NHL as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang became the first trio to play together as teammates for two decades. This milestone is a testament to their enduring legacy as the heart and soul of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Throughout their remarkable careers, these three have achieved nearly every accolade imaginable, solidifying their place among the greatest to ever play the game.
Navigating the Challenges of Age
As Crosby, Malkin, and Letang enter the twilight of their careers in their late thirties, the Penguins have seen a decline in success compared to their glory days. Once perennial playoff contenders, the franchise now faces challenges in maintaining that level of competitiveness. It’s a reality that often accompanies aging rosters, and the effects have been felt as the team works to reclaim its former stature.
The inevitability of Father Time is a lesson that the Penguins front office seemed to grapple with in recent years. Former president of hockey operations Brian Burke recently disclosed that there were discussions about potentially breaking up this iconic trio as early as 2022. Burke revealed on The Sheet with Jeff Marek that the team considered trading either Malkin or Letang if they were unwilling to accept pay cuts.
Burke’s Insight on the Decision
Burke reflected on the pivotal decision, saying, “Yes, we talked about trading both Tanger and Geno (Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin) if they wouldn’t take pay cuts, but they both did. And so to me, I said to Ron, ‘If we want to keep the band together, if we want to see what we can do with this group, then they have to take pay cuts,’ and they both did.”
Malkin is currently in the fourth and final season of a four-year, $24.4 million extension, while Letang is also in the fourth year of a six-year, $36.6 million deal. Their willingness to adjust their contracts has allowed the Penguins to retain their core, but it raises the question of how much longer this trio can continue to perform at a high level.
Looking Ahead for the Penguins’ Trio
As we reflect on their storied past, it’s essential to also consider the future of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang in Pittsburgh. Both Crosby and Malkin have repeatedly expressed their commitment to finishing their careers with the Penguins. Despite ongoing speculation about retirement, their desire to remain with the franchise remains steadfast.
The next chapters for these legends will undoubtedly be closely watched, not just for their individual performances, but for what they represent in the ever-evolving landscape of the NHL. As they continue to defy the odds of age and trade rumors, the legacy of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang will forever be etched in the annals of hockey history.
