Sidney Crosby Extends Tenure with Pittsburgh Penguins Through 2026-27 Season
Sidney Crosby, a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Penguins for nearly two decades, has solidified his commitment to the franchise by extending his contract through the 2026-27 season. The new agreement, which carries an annual average value of $8.7 million, ensures that the veteran center will continue to don the Penguins' colors well into his late thirties.
At 36 years old, Crosby's career has been nothing short of legendary. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, a selection that has paid dividends countless times over. From guiding Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cup titles to making ten All-Star Game appearances, Crosby's impact on the ice and in the community is immeasurable. Reflecting on Crosby's legacy, Penguins' President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas remarked, “There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh, and the Penguins organization.”
The contract extension comes as Crosby is poised to embark on his 20th season with the Penguins, a milestone that underscores his enduring influence and exceptional skill. His previous deal was set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, but this new agreement ensures his presence on the roster for an additional two years.
Throughout his illustrious career, Crosby has accumulated a staggering array of accolades. He has won two Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player and two Conn Smythe Trophies as the playoff MVP. His contributions to the Penguins are further highlighted by his franchise records in games played (1,272), even-strength goals (416), even-strength points (1,025), and game-winning goals (90). Furthermore, he is second in franchise history in goals (592), assists (1,004), and points (1,596), trailing only the iconic Mario Lemieux.
Crosby's prowess extends beyond franchise records; he is 10th in NHL history with 1,596 points in 1,272 career games. Remarkably, he has averaged at least one point per season for all 19 of his professional campaigns, a testament to his consistency and elite performance level.
The recent seasons have posed challenges for the Penguins, who have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the last two years. Despite these setbacks, Crosby's performance has remained stellar. Last season, he played all 82 regular-season games and tallied 94 points, comprising 42 goals and 52 assists. This unwavering dedication and output reflect his commitment to the sport and his team. As Dubas aptly noted, “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.”
Looking forward, Crosby’s extension symbolizes hope and a renewed focus for the Penguins as they strive to return to their winning ways. As the new season approaches, fans and teammates alike will undoubtedly draw inspiration from their captain's enduring commitment and remarkable contributions.