PITTSBURGH — Locker-cleanout day always is a brutal day, one of the worst days of the year for all sports teams. It signifies the end of a season and, unless your team won the championship, of failure to one degree or another. Maybe worst of all, you know the same group won't be back to try again next season. Some of your teammates — your best buddies — will move on. The only thing guaranteed is there will be change. That's just the harsh nature of pro sports.
But Tuesday seemed like an especially difficult day at Penguins headquarters because there's a really good chance this was the last time Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang will be in that locker room after 16 seasons.
That hurtful realization added to what's been a tough year for Pittsburgh sports.
First, Mike Lange announced his retirement after 46 years as the voice of the Penguins. This city has had three legendary, iconic broadcasters — Bob Prince, Myron Cope and Lange. Hockey nights here just aren't the same without Lange.
Then, Ben Roethlisberger retired. He was the best quarterback in Steelers history — even Terry Bradshaw will tell you that — and led the franchise to two Super Bowl wins. He will be enshrined in Canton in five years.
It was difficult to say goodbye to Lange and Roethlisberger.
It's always difficult to say goodbye to good people who have delivered so many tremendous thrills and so much wonderful entertainment.
Certainly, it will be difficult to say goodbye to Malkin and Letang if they leave as free agents in July, as I fully expect.
Everyone from Mike Sullivan to Sidney Crosby paid proper tribute to Malkin and Letang. Sullivan said they, along with Crosby, "have established the standard of what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin." Crosby said, "There's a lot of belief and trust in one another. There's a confidence level that's very rare. It's unique. It's special. We all appreciate that. We've had success, too."
Of course, Malkin and Letang said they hope to stay with the Penguins if fair contracts can be worked out. Malkin said, "Pittsburgh is my second hometown. I love this city and I love these fans so much. I hope I stay here. I hope to retire here." Letang said, "It's always been the main goal to stay here. I certainly tried to help build something good here. Obviously, I want to keep it going."
Malkin and Letang also talked glowingly about what it has meant to play with each other and with Crosby. Malkin said, "They are like my two brothers, one Canadian, one French-Canadian. It's not just hockey. It's life. I love them both." Letang said, "[Crosby] does everything perfectly. How focused he is. The dedication he puts into hockey ... And [Malkin], everything he's accomplished in his career is just amazing."
All of that was predictable.
What struck me, though, was how it seemed as if everybody knows the amazing ride is over. That appeared especially true with Sullivan, who looked as if he knew he was losing his best friends when he said, "I can't say enough about these guys. How driven they are. Their desire to win. Their care for the Pittsburgh Penguins, their teammates."
In a sense, Sullivan will lose two of his best friends — two of his best players, for sure — when Malkin and Letang leave.
Letang refused to acknowledge any details about his contract negotiations with Ron Hextall. Malkin was more expansive.
"I believe I'm still a good player. I believe good players sign good contracts. Agent knows my price. Money is not a big deal, but I have a family, parents. I want a good future for them."
Then, the money line — literally, the money line — from Malkin:
"I understand it's a business."
Malkin said he hopes to play three or four more years. Letang thinks he can go four or five more, "easily." Crosby, who is signed through the 2024-25 season, said "three [more years], for sure and then we'll see after that."
Can you imagine what it will be like around here when Crosby retires or — heaven forbid — leaves for another team?
I know, we've been through it before with Mario Lemieux, Joe Greene, Willie Stargell, Franco Harris and so many other Hall of Famers.
That doesn't make it any easier.
Clearly, it won't be easy on Crosby when Malkin and Letang leave.
"I think we've done a pretty good job as a group," Crosby said. "That being said, it's not something that can happen forever ...
"Hopefully, a little bit longer."
