Sidney Crosby speaks to Malkin about the uncertainty of playing past his contract

HENDERSON, Nev. – Sidney Crosby is thrilled that the band has stayed together, especially since the threat of a split over the summer was so real.

With the Pittsburgh Penguins and three-time Stanley Cup winners Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin both on the way to free hands in July, the captain was getting nervous.

Crosby admits he texted his teammates and close friends in anger during those shaky days leading up to July 13 to see if there had been any progress in negotiations.

Yet even after Letang rejoined July 7 for six years and $36 million, there seemed a legitimate possibility Malkin would leave.

Crosby exhaled when Malkin was granted a four-year, $24.4 million extension on July 12, just hours before the deadline.

“I was sweating. When it gets that close, anything can happen. It was getting close to the day and there was a lot of uncertainty,” Crosby told Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek during a taping of the 32 thoughts podcast.

“You know it’s a possibility. You want to think positively and be optimistic, but there is still a chance that this will not happen. So I think uncertainty is hard. I’m sure it was tough for the boys. It was definitely for me – I just didn’t want to go there mentally.

“You don’t want to be on the ice thinking This could be our last game together. But the reality is, it could have been. So it’s great to have them back with us. Yes, it sure made me sweat.”

Contrary to rumors, Crosby said he made no overtures to management to ensure the Letang-Malkin deals go through.

“It’s pretty obvious how I feel. I mean, it’s not like I have to explain that. I think it’s pretty clear how I feel about these guys,” Crosby said.

The three Penguins stars are just 118 wins short this season to become the most-winning trio of NHL teammates in history.

Letang will be 41 when his new contract expires. Malkin will be 39 years old. Crosby will be 37 when his current contract expires in 2025.

All three could retire together as lifelong penguins.

“That would be amazing. I think we’d like to do that,” Crosby said.

“More up the list, you win together again. This is our motivation. These guys are wired like that. They don’t just play to retire. And that’s why they have been successful for so long.”

Crosby, in his mid-30s, is still performing at an elite level. Last season, he scored 31 goals and 84 points in 69 games, then added 10 points in six playoff competitions.

Still, he’s hesitant to consider life in the NHL after that contract.

“I think about three more years and then see what happens from there. I know it’s no use ignoring it. I know I want to keep playing at a high level,” Crosby said.

“I played a lot of hockey. It’s something that requires a lot of effort. You have to invest in your body, because in order to be able to play in old age, a lot of things have to be right. So yes, I think three years is my focus. From then on, I’ll just see where I stand.”

Crosby admitted he occasionally ponders what to do with his life after his playing days are over.

“Your mind sure tends to go there as you get older. You understand the situation. And it’s a really difficult position because as an athlete you want to be in the moment. You don’t necessarily think too far ahead, but the reality is that that happens a little more as you get older,” he said.

“So, just find that balance between knowing this is the reality but enjoying the moment and being the best you can be and enjoying every day. It’s a great game. It’s the best job in the world and you want to play as long as you can.”

Whenever that time comes, Crosby wants to be able to say he’s made the most of his NHL window.

“I don’t take it for granted one bit. And i love it. It’s easy for me to get up every day with that mentality,” Crosby said.

“And I think having that mentality, when that time comes I’ll appreciate it. But I want to know that I left it all out there.”