GM Hextall reluctantly reveals how Crosby got involved in Pens' contract negotiations

It was a relief for many Pittsburgh Penguins fans when both pending free agents Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin re-signed with the team to remain until they’re ready to retire. The latter inked his new deal moments prior to the opening of free agency after it had been reported that negotiations had gone sour and that he had informed his teammates he would test the market. But a last go at the negotiating table was set up and Geno came to terms on a four-year $24.4 million contract extension, a deal that will run through the 2025-26 season and carry an average-annual value of $6.1 million.

It is also believed the captain played a big part in the signing. Sidney Crosby was in consistent contact with Malkin and had reportedly visited his close friend in Florida to persuade him to stay in Pittsburgh.

On Tuesday, Penguins general manager Ron Hextall discussed with Bryan Hayes, Jonas Siegel and Dave Feschuk on TSN on much influence Crosby had in the Letang and Malkin negotiations and reluctantly shared some details on what took place behind the scenes:

“What I am aware of is Sid has a lot of say with his teammates, I think those three guys wanted to stay together, I know Sid was talking to Geno there, I am sure he certainly had his share in this, and I’m sure Tanger probably did too. I mean those three guys are close, have been playing together for 16 years. You think about three hockey players playing that length of time together, let alone three hockey players of this magnitude…”

When asked if Crosby personally called him to help the negotiations from the management side, Hextall said that the captain was aware they wanted Malkin back and that no encouragement was needed from anybody.

Not even the captain it seems…

“There was never any doubt there and I think Sid understood that.”

Hextall wants to make sure everyone knows he makes the call, though we bet Sid did a lot by working with Geno to make sure he was calm and signed the proposed offer when he did.

But sure, Ron, you are the GM ;)