Now that the Stanley Cup has been whisked away to Motown, it seems everyone is expecting the Pittsburgh Penguins to return next season with enough maturity gained from the recent campaign to grab the Cup. Are they really the Stanley Cup Champions in waiting?
Marian Hossa is a free agent this summer. He was a terrific pick up at the trading deadline and finally provided Sidney Crosby with the sniper he so missed. But unless he provides the Penguins with a discount, he will likely be lost this summer. Ryan Malone is also a free agent and could earn $4.5 million a year contract. But since his father played for the Penguins and he grew up in the Pittsburgh area, he is more likely to return at a reduced rate. Brooks Orpik had a break out year and showed that he is a top 4 defenseman. His price may also be beyond the Penguin's budget.
Should the Penguins lose these three players, they will be a much different team and not nearly as good. The Penguins need a lot of money for new contracts for Malkin and Fleury. Also, Crosby's new contract kicks in next year.
So maybe this was the year that the Penguins had to win. Still as long as the team has Crosby, they will always have a shot at returning to the Cup finals. But it may not be next year.
