Here are your Pens Points for this Wednesday morning…
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said in an exit interview with The Athletic’s Josh Yohe that it’s better for him to “keep going” at his age rather than take a long off-season break. If Crosby intends to keep playing hockey, might he suit up for the World Championships as a precursor to the 2026 Olympics? [PensBurgh]
As the NHL’s coaching carousel spins during the offseason, Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan doesn’t appear to be next in line to join that ride. [The Hockey News]
Perhaps one of the reasons Mike Sullivan will remain employed by the team for the long haul is the front office’s faith in him and veterans like Crosby shepherding NHL-ready prospects. Fast forward from a year ago, and general manager Kyle Dubas may be ready to take a different approach to the Penguins’ rebuild because of some players’ accelerated development. [Trib Live]
Penguins assistant coach Mike Vellucci has been named an assistant coach with the United States Men’s National Team for the upcoming World Championship tournament. [Trib Live]
News and notes from around the NHL…
Five former NHL players, each linked to the 2018 Canadian world junior team, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges associated with an alleged sexual assault that took place in June of that year. [Sportsnet]
The New York Islanders on Tuesday announced that the team would not renew the contract of president and general manager Lou Lamoriello, ending his seven-year tenure with the team. [SNY]