Crosby, Malkin, Letang to begin 21st season together in Penguins' opener

CRANBERRY, Pa. -- Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang have endured.

Crosby and Malkin, two forwards, and Letang, a defenseman, are the keystone to the most decorated era in the history of the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning the Stanley Cup three times (2009, 2016, 2017) since Malkin and Letang joined Crosby in 2006-07. 

They are already the longest-tenured trio of teammates in the history of major North American professional sports. Their record will be extended when they open their 21st season together against the Philadelphia Flyers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Wednesday (7:30 p.m. ET; HBO MAX, truTV, TNT).

“I mean, it’s something that I think we’re all grateful for,” Crosby said. “You don’t take it for granted. We have gotten used to it because it has been for a long time, but it doesn’t mean that we take it for granted. I think, you know, we appreciate how rare that is and, you know, value each other as friends, as teammates. It’s special to have that.”

That could end soon.

At 39 years old, Crosby is entering the final season of a two-year, $17.4 million contract ($8.7 million average annual value) signed Sept. 16, 2024, but is expected to reach agreement on a new contract at some point. Letang, also 39, is signed through 2027-28 on a six-year, $36.6 million contract ($6.1 million average annual value).

Malkin is less certain. The 40-year-old signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract on May 26 to avoid becoming an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Early in training camp, he didn’t rule out playing past this season but said he only would if he could deliver the version of himself Pittsburgh has known for more than two decades.

“I want to be, like, on my top level,” Malkin said. “I don't want to just spend time, just do nothing. It's not my game. If my game helps the team to win, I will. If not, I'm retired.” 

If this is it, it would end an unprecedented run.  

Crosby, on the verge of his 22nd season, will have played longer than any athlete in Pittsburgh sports history. Malkin and Letang, each set for his 21st season, will be tied for second with Willie Stargell (21 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1962-82).  

“It’s a special thing that’s never been done before,” Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said. “I don’t know that it’ll ever happen again. No. 1, for players to play that long. And then, No. 2, play all together in the same city for the same team. And it’s a very special bond that they have. 

“It’s something that shouldn’t be taken for granted because it can’t go on forever. ... So, it’s something that I don’t think can ever be recreated.”

And it was never the goal. 

“I mean, it’s crazy,” Letang said. “Especially when you’re a young kid and you’re just dreaming of making it to the NHL, and eventually you get there and, you know, you accomplish different things with different guys. To be able to spend an entire career with the same organization, the same people, is special.”  

Longevity is commendable, but isn't why Malkin sticks around. He thinks Crosby and Letang feel the same.

“It’s not (that) we’re just here because we win, like, three Cups, you know?” Malkin said. “I hope we’re here because we still play good. ... Again, (these are) my two best friends here. I’m excited (for) one more year together.” 

They can, based on last season. Even if it comes with obvious change. 

Crosby is mostly the same. Still at first-line center, he led the Penguins with 74 points (29 goals, 45 assists) in 68 games, extending his NHL record of seasons averaging at least a point per game to 21. 

“I can't predict how I'm going to feel in January, so I'm not going to try,” Crosby said. “I feel pretty good. It's a long season, so I just need to make sure I take care of myself as best I can. But yeah, I don't typically think too far ahead. I'm not going to try to do that now." 

Malkin had 61 points (19 goals, 42 assists) in 56 games to average a point per game for the first time since 2022-23. That came with a shift from center to right wing on the second line and missing 26 games due to injury and suspension. 

Letang has the most points (806), goals (178), assists (628) and games played (1,235) by a defenseman in Penguins history, but has had 64 points (12 goals, 52 assists) in 148 games the past two seasons after having 51 points (10 goals, 41 assists) in 2023-24. He’s accepted Erik Karlsson replacing him as the clear No. 1 defenseman. 

“They’ve been able to adjust, not only to the way that their career has gone, but also to how the League has gone and how it’s changed over the years,” said forward Bryan Rust, who will play his 13th season with the Penguins. “I think all three of them have been amazing at not being stubborn and being open to change and tweaks, and constructive criticism that might be able to help them, not only help the team, but prolong their careers.”

Lasting this long was anything but guaranteed. 

Crosby had a lengthy hiatus due to concussion-related issues beginning in 2011. Malkin has undergone multiple surgeries to his right knee, first from tearing his MCL and ACL on Feb. 4, 2011. Letang has had two strokes, one in 2014 and another in 2022, and considered retirement after having neck surgery in April 2017. 

The Penguins' core-three is defined by winning, but the adversity is what's tied them together well beyond their time in the NHL.

“Went through a lot of different experiences, good and bad,” Crosby said. “And I think when you’re teammates that long, have known each other that long, there’s a certain bond there. We’re fortunate to have that.”