Sidney Crosby's Final Run: Can Penguins GM Kyle Dubas Deliver a Stanley Cup?

Sidney Crosby is in the final year of his current contract, and his career may be coming to an end. Can Penguins GM Kyle Dubas deliver a Stanley Cup to the legendary forward in his last season?

What happened?

The Penguins have been quiet this offseason, making only a few key signings. They acquired Nicholas Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs and signed him to a two-year deal worth $3.25 million AAV. They also signed Andrei Kuzmenko to a one-year, $5 million AAV contract. However, they lost 30+ goal scorer Anthony Mantha to division rival New Jersey on a deal carrying a $4.75 million cap hit.

Why it matters for Sidney Crosby

The question is whether Robertson and Kuzmenko can replace Mantha's production. Robertson scored 16 goals last season, while Kuzmenko tallied just 13 in only 52 games after suffering a knee injury in February that sidelined him until mid-April. Kuzmenko's production projects to approximately 21 goals over a full 84-game season, meaning he and Robertson would combine for roughly 37 goals to replace Mantha's 33.

What comes next?

The Penguins still have a few free agents to sign, including Patrick Laine, Kevin Hayes, and Evander Kane. Laine has struggled with injuries and hasn't scored 30 goals since his third season in 2018-19. Hayes has recorded just 31 total points over his last two combined seasons and may not be the solution the Penguins are looking for. Kane, on the other hand, has shown he can contribute offensively and provide valuable secondary scoring when healthy.

A Wild Card Move

There is also the possibility that the Penguins attempt to acquire Jason Robertson from Dallas. With his brother Nicholas already on the team, this could become a factor in the decision-making process.

The Verdict?

If anyone is worth taking a chance on, though, it's Evander Kane. You take the good with the bad and hope that, surrounded by a better team and staying healthy, he can produce somewhere in the 20-25 goal range. This is likely Crosby's last run unless he decides to sign another extension after the season. With Evgeni Malkin also expected to be finished after next year and more organizational changes likely on the horizon, those factors could influence Crosby to finish his career elsewhere if he wants to continue playing.

The Penguins have a lot of work to do to give Sidney Crosby a legitimate shot at a Stanley Cup in his final season. Can GM Kyle Dubas make the right moves to secure a championship?