Sidney Crosby Extends Contract with Pittsburgh Penguins
In a move that reinforces his commitment to both the Pittsburgh Penguins and the game of hockey, Sidney Crosby has extended his contract with the Penguins through the 2026-27 season. The new deal carries an annual average value of $8.7 million, underscoring the franchise's trust in their star captain's enduring capabilities despite his age of 36.
Previously, Crosby's contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. With this extension, Crosby is poised to enter his 20th NHL season, all with the Penguins, a testament to his loyalty and significance to the team. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, Crosby has consistently exceeded expectations, helping the Penguins clinch three Stanley Cup titles over his illustrious career.
Crosby's list of accolades is impressive. He has appeared in 10 All-Star Games, won two Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player, and secured two Conn Smythe Trophies as the playoff MVP. Additionally, Crosby leads the Pittsburgh franchise in several key statistics, including games played (1,272), even-strength goals (416), even-strength points (1,025), and game-winning goals (90). Despite these accomplishments, he stands second to Penguins legend Mario Lemieux in goals (592), assists (1,004), and points (1,596).
“There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh, and the Penguins organization,” remarked Kyle Dubas, President of Hockey Operations. Dubas' statements capture the essence of Crosby's legendary status and his impact both on and off the ice.
Crosby ranks 10th in NHL history with 1,596 points in 1,272 career games, demonstrating his remarkable talent and consistency. Significantly, he has managed to average at least one point per season throughout his 19 professional seasons. Last season, Crosby played all 82 regular-season games, amassing 94 points (42 goals, 52 assists) despite the Penguins missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive year.
“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,” added Dubas.
With his contract extension firmly in place, the Penguins organization and their fans can anticipate many more memorable moments led by Crosby. As he continues to break records and set new standards, Sidney Crosby remains an indomitable figure in the annals of hockey history, securing his legacy as a player of unparalleled skill, dedication, and leadership.