The Pittsburgh Penguins say that Sidney Crosby's injury situation won't impact ongoing contract talks. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
Even as the Pittsburgh Penguins again put Sidney Crosby on the injured list, the team reportedly will not let his concussion issues affect contract discussions.
Instead, general manager Ray Shero expressed conviction to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that Crosby's value would not be decreased.
"The only thing on my mind is signing Sidney Crosby," Penguins general manager Ray Shero told the Tribune-Review. "We want him to be a Penguin for life. That's the goal. Nothing has changed."
Crosby was placed on the injured list Saturday after again dealing with headaches and not playing since Dec. 5. He has played in just eight games since finally returning from the concussion he sustained last Jan. 5.
Despite the nearly year-long bout, Shero expressed optimism that the concussion problem will ultimately be seen as a blip on a long career for Crosby.
The Penguins called up Jason Williams and defenseman Carl Sneep from AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
NHL NEWS AND NOTES
--- Washington Capitals forward Cody Eakin was sent down to the AHL's Hershey Bears, the team announced Sunday.
The 20-year-old Eakin had six points on three goals and three assists in 19 games this season. He also had a plus-2 rating since making his NHL debut on Nov. 1.
He is expected to be available for Hershey's game Sunday night against Norfolk.
There was no immediate word on a potential corresponding move for the Capitals.
---The hit Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic put on the Philadelphia Flyers' Zac Rinaldo prompted a phone hearing, the NHL announced Sunday.
Lucic will talk Monday to Brendan Shanahan, the league's discipline and safety czar about the incident from Saturday's 6-0 win by the Bruins.
With it being Lucic's second incident of the year, the likelihood of him drawing a suspension should increase.
---The Minnesota Wild, which has been hit by a number of injuries, have recalled two more players from their AHL affiliate, forwards Jed Ortmeyer and Chad Rau.
The 33-year-old Ortmeyer played in four games for the Wild last season.
The Wild has used 33 players this season, and Rau would be the 11th rookie to play, most in the NHL this season.
The Wild is missing four of its top six forwards to injury, plus Casey Wellman, who was placed on injured reserve.