Sidney Crosby Extends Contract with Pittsburgh Penguins Through 2026-27 Season
In a move that cements his legacy with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby has signed a contract extension that will keep him in the Steel City through the 2026-27 season. This new deal will carry an annual average value of $8.7 million, a figure synonymous with Crosby, who has worn the No. 87 jersey with distinction throughout his illustrious career.
At 36 years old, Crosby shows no signs of slowing down. His previous contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, but this extension guarantees that the Penguins’ captain will continue to lead the team for several more years. Notably, Crosby will be embarking on his 20th season with Pittsburgh, having been the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft.
Penguins' President of Hockey Operations, Kyle Dubas, could not overstate the importance of Crosby to the franchise. “There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh, and the Penguins organization,” Dubas said.
Throughout his career, Crosby has led the Penguins to three Stanley Cup titles and has been a beacon of success and stability. His accolades include appearing in 10 All-Star Games, winning two Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player, and securing two Conn Smythe Trophies as the playoff MVP. These achievements underline his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Record-Breaking Milestones
Crosby’s impact on the Penguins is evident in the franchise records he holds. He leads the team in games played (1,272), even-strength goals (416), even-strength points (1,025), and game-winning goals (90). Additionally, he is second in goals (592), assists (1,004), and points (1,596), trailing only the legendary Mario Lemieux in these categories.
On a broader scale, Crosby ranks 10th in NHL history with 1,596 points in 1,272 career games. Amazingly, he has averaged at least one point per game for all 19 of his professional seasons, a testament to his consistency and skill.
Last season, Crosby demonstrated his enduring prowess by playing in all 82 regular-season games, amassing 94 points with 42 goals and 52 assists. However, despite his impressive performance, the Penguins missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season, signaling a need for the team to bolster their roster going forward.
Kyle Dubas, reflecting on Crosby's continued commitment to the Penguins, highlighted the captain's leadership and dedication. “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,” Dubas remarked.
Future Prospects
With Crosby’s contract extension, the Penguins have ensured that their cornerstone player will remain a vital part of their lineup. His leadership, experience, and exceptional skill set are invaluable assets as the team aims to return to playoff contention.
This extension not only provides Crosby with the platform to possibly end his career as a one-franchise player but also reinforces the Penguins’ commitment to building a competitive team around their star player. As Crosby continues to defy age and expectations, fans can look forward to more memorable moments and milestones in the seasons to come.
Ultimately, Sidney Crosby’s contract extension is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the Penguins and his enduring impact on the game of hockey. As he prepares for yet another chapter in his storied career, Pittsburgh and the hockey world will be watching with great anticipation.