Sidney Crosby Extends Contract with Pittsburgh Penguins Through 2026-27
In a move that solidifies Sidney Crosby's legacy with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the star center has extended his contract with the organization through the 2026-27 season. This extension comes with an annual average value of $8.7 million, a number synonymous with Crosby's jersey number, 87.
Crosby, who is currently 36 years old, was previously set to see his contract expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. This new deal ensures that the player widely regarded as the heart and soul of the Penguins will potentially finish his illustrious career in Pittsburgh.
A Storied Career
Sidney Crosby has been nothing short of a hockey phenomenon since being drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft. Poised to embark on his 20th season with the Penguins, Crosby's impact on the franchise and the sport itself is monumental. He has led Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cup titles and has been a consistent force on the ice, evidenced by his appearance in 10 All-Star Games. His trophy cabinet is adorned with two Hart Trophies, awarded to the league's most valuable player, and two Conn Smythe Trophies, given to the playoff MVP.
“There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh, and the Penguins organization,” said Kyle Dubas, President of Hockey Operations, encapsulating the sentiment shared by Penguins fans and hockey enthusiasts alike. “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. 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.”
Record-Breaking Milestones
Throughout his career, Crosby has not only matched but surpassed numerous milestones, leaving an indelible mark on the Penguins' 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). Furthermore, he is second only to Mario Lemieux in goals (592), assists (1,004), and points (1,596) for the team. On a league-wide scale, Crosby is 10th in NHL history with 1,596 points in 1,272 career games.
One of the most remarkable facets of Crosby's career is his consistency. Over the span of 19 professional seasons, Crosby has averaged at least one point per season. Last season, despite the Penguins missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive year, Crosby played all 82 regular-season games and tallied an impressive 94 points, consisting of 42 goals and 52 assists.
Looking Forward
With the new contract in place, the Penguins and their fans can look forward to several more years of Crosby's leadership and unparalleled skill. His dedication to the team and the sport remains unwavering as he continues to strive for excellence both on and off the ice.
While the Penguins work to return to playoff contention, they do so with the confidence that their captain remains committed to the cause. Sidney Crosby's career has been a testament to his incredible talent, work ethic, and leadership. As he gears up for his 20th season, the hockey world watches in anticipation of the new heights this legendary player will continue to reach.