Sidney Crosby has long been the face of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the team has ensured that this will remain the case for the foreseeable future. The Penguins have announced that Crosby, aged 36, has extended his contract through the 2026-27 season, carrying an annual average value of $8.7 million. This move solidifies Crosby's intent to potentially end his illustrious career in Pittsburgh, a place where he has already made indelible marks.
Longevity and Loyalty
Entering his 20th season with the Penguins, Crosby's journey has been nothing short of legendary. Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, Crosby quickly became a cornerstone of the franchise. He has been instrumental in leading Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cup titles, further cementing his status as one of the greatest players in NHL history.
“There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh, and the Penguins organization,” stated Kyle Dubas, President of Hockey Operations. Dubas's comments reflect the profound impact that Crosby has had not just on the team, but on the community and sport as a whole.
A Storied Career
Crosby’s statistics are a testament to his exceptional skill and consistency. He has appeared in 10 All-Star Games and has won two Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player, along with two Conn Smythe Trophies as the playoff MVP. These accolades barely scratch the surface of his brilliance on the ice.
Over his career, Crosby has amassed 592 goals, 1,004 assists, and 1,596 points in 1,272 games. These numbers place him second in franchise history for goals, assists, and points, trailing only Mario Lemieux. Nationally, his 1,596 career points put him 10th on the NHL’s all-time scoring list.
Consistency and Dedication
One of the most remarkable aspects of Crosby's career has been his unwavering consistency. He has averaged at least one point per season throughout all 19 seasons of his professional career. Last season, he played all 82 regular-season games and recorded 94 points, including 42 goals and 52 assists. However, despite this stellar personal performance, the Penguins missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the last two seasons.
“Sidney is the greatest player of his generation and one of the greatest players in the history of the game. His actions today show why he is one of hockey's greatest winners and leaders,” Dubas added. “Sid is making a tremendous personal sacrifice in an effort to help the Penguins win, both now and in the future, as he has done for his entire career.”
Franchise Milestones
Crosby's influence on the Penguins is also cemented in the team's record books. He leads the franchise in games played (1,272), even-strength goals (416), even-strength points (1,025), and game-winning goals (90). These milestones highlight his role as a clutch performer throughout his career, often being the difference-maker in critical moments.
Initially, Crosby's previous contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, leaving some uncertainty about his future with the team. By extending his contract, Crosby sends a strong message of loyalty and commitment to the Penguins' organization and its fan base, a testament to his character as a leader both on and off the ice.
As Sidney Crosby continues to break barriers and set new standards, his enduring legacy is already secure. With additional years now guaranteed, the Penguins' faithful can look forward to witnessing more of Crosby's magic, knowing he is steadfast in his commitment to bringing further glory to Pittsburgh.