With training camp just around the corner, NHL teams are gearing up for the 2024-25 season.
For the Pittsburgh Penguins – who have missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons – there will be a ton of storylines to keep an eye on throughout the season.
But we’ve chosen five particularly interesting storylines that are worth looking out for in 2024-25.
1. Crosby‘s and Pettersson’s contract situations
© Charles LeClaire – USA TODAY Sports
The Sidney Crosby “will he, won’t he” will, no doubt, be the biggest story until the day Crosby actually signs an extension with the Penguins. All signs point to this being the case, as longtime Penguins’ insider Rob Rossi of The Athletic has reported that Crosby has told close friends he intends to sign but is still contemplating how long he wants to play.
But until then, expect both Penguins’ fans and national media to continue speculating whether or not he will finish his career in Pittsburgh – even if that speculation is largely unfounded and contradictory of what both Crosby and GM and POHO Kyle Dubas have said.
On the other hand, there is some legitimate buzz surrounding defenseman Marcus Pettersson. Rumor has it that the Penguins prefer to hold off on extension talks to see what happens with Crosby first.
But the reality is this: Pettersson has emerged as a good top-four defenseman, and he is also the Penguins’ most tradeable asset. He will be a UFA following the 2024-25 season, so, by all measures, it makes sense for Dubas and company to wait the situation out until the trade deadline approaches. And it will be interesting to see what the Penguins decide to do – even if they are contending at the deadline.
2. Can Rust and Rakell stay healthy and carry the production at wing?
© Charles LeClaire – USA TODAY Sports
In 2022-23, Bryan Rust finally had a healthy season but struggled through most of it before finishing strong, as he put up 20 goals and 46 points in 81 games. He rebounded strongly last season, registering 28 goals and 56 points in just 62 games.
In nearly an exact inverse of Rust, Rickard Rakell enjoyed a fantastic 2022-23 campaign that featured 28 goals and 60 points. Then, he struggled mightily at the beginning of 2023-24 – it took until December 23 for him to score a goal – and finished strong despite dealing with a shoulder injury almost the entire season. He scored 15 goals and 37 points in 70 games.
Both players provide 200-foot…