"The key to our team is getting (Sidney) Crosby and (Evgeni) Malkin back (from injuries)," Shero told the Tribune-Review.
The Penguins are also being cognizant of the fact that both Crosby and center Jordan Staal's contracts expire in two seasons, which is another reason why they didn't spent foolishly in this summer's free agent market.
Shero cannot begin negotiations with either player until July 1, 2012
"We have Crosby and Staal coming up in a couple of years," Shero said. "We're set up pretty well."
