NHL NEWS: Updates on Crosby, Draisaitl, Marner

The NHL free-agent market depleted within a week after opening on July 1. With trade rumors fading as teams filled their roster needs via free agency, the focus has shifted to players eligible for contract extensions. This has brought attention to Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl, and Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mitch Marner.

Crosby, 36, has an $8.7-million cap hit through next season. Draisaitl, 28, carries an $8.5-million hit, while the 27-year-old Marner's is $10.9 million.

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now questioned why the Penguins didn't announce Crosby's new contract on July 1. Despite Crosby and Penguins GM Kyle Dubas agreeing to keep their discussions private, Kingerski noted an apparent lack of optimism between them. He speculated whether the direction of the Penguins might be causing the delay. Meanwhile, Toronto Star columnist Nick Kypreos indicated that while Crosby's camp isn't in a hurry, discussions are ongoing.

Draisaitl's agent, Jiri Poner, told Michael Bauer of Germany's EishockeyNews that the decision lies with the Oilers. "There's no rush yet, but it either happens quickly by the end of August or not at all," Poner said. He emphasized that Draisaitl holds all the trump cards and addressed North American rumors about a potential trade if no extension is reached. Poner expressed confidence in reaching a mutually satisfying agreement with the Oilers.

Marner's future with the Leafs has been speculative since their first-round playoff exit. Leafs GM Brad Treliving did not disclose whether discussions are taking place, stating, "We're not going to address it; there's nothing to update." As a result, speculation over Crosby and Draisaitl's contracts may divert some attention from Marner.

Negotiating lucrative long-term contracts for players of this caliber often takes time, sometimes stretching into training camp or the early weeks of the regular season. The longer these talks continue, the more questions will arise about their futures with their current teams.