Crosby aiming to play at least 3 more seasons

Pittsburgh Penguins veteran Sidney Crosby has dominated the league ever since he erupted onto the scene in 2005-06, and it appears the 34-year-old will continue his NHL career for at least a little while longer.

"Three (seasons), for sure - and then we'll see after that," Crosby said Tuesday when asked how much longer he wants to play in the NHL. "I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. Three, definitely."

Crosby has three seasons remaining on a 12-year, $104.4-million contract. Two other members of the Penguins' core - Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang - are pending unrestricted free agents. The three have been teammates since 2006-07.

"We've been fortunate enough to play together for a long time," Crosby said. "There's a lot of belief and trust in one another. ... We understand that it's not something that can happen forever, but hopefully a little bit longer."

Malkin was adamant that he wants to remain in Pittsburgh but said he understands the NHL is a fickle business.

"I love this city, and I love these fans so much. If this team wants new blood and young guys, and they say to me to move on, we will see. ... I believe in my agent, and I trust him," he said. "I want to stay here. I want to play in the NHL. ... I hope I retire here."

Letang, meanwhile, kept his contract negotiations under wraps.

"As far as contracts, me and (general manager Ron Hextall) were clear that we were not mentioning anything to anyone. It stays between me and the team," the defenseman said.

The Penguins are headed into a crucial offseason after falling to the New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs. Along with Malkin and Letang, Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, Evan Rodrigues, and Casey DeSmith are all pending unrestricted free agents.