Sidney Crosby Extends Contract with Pittsburgh Penguins Through 2026-27
Hockey fans in Pittsburgh and beyond have reason to celebrate as Sidney Crosby has extended his contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins through the 2026-27 season. The 36-year-old captain's new deal carries an annual average value of $8.7 million, ensuring that the face of the franchise remains an integral part of the team's fabric for the foreseeable future.
Crosby's commitment to the Penguins is no strangers to the Rafters of PPG Paints Arena. Having been the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, Crosby has led Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cup titles and has appeared in 10 All-Star Games. With his previous deal set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, this extension ensures that Crosby will embark on his 20th season with the Penguins.
In his two decades with the team, Crosby has amassed an impressive 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. Additionally, Crosby is second in goals (592), assists (1,004), and points (1,596) for the franchise, trailing only the legendary Mario Lemieux. Despite these staggering statistics, Crosby remains focused on contributing to the team's success on the ice.
President of Hockey Operations, Kyle Dubas, expressed his admiration for Crosby, stating, “There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh, and the Penguins organization.” He continued to praise Crosby's dedication and leadership, adding, “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.”
Crosby's impact on the game and the Penguins is apparent in the franchise records he holds. He leads the Penguins in games played (1,272), even-strength goals (416), even-strength points (1,025), and game-winning goals (90). Nationally, he is 10th in NHL history with 1,596 points across 1,272 career games, a testament to his consistency and skill. Remarkably, Crosby has averaged at least one point per season for all 19 of his professional seasons.
Although the Penguins have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the last two seasons, Crosby's performance remains stellar. Last season, he played all 82 regular-season games, tallying 94 points with 42 goals and 52 assists. His dedication to staying healthy and productive is not lost on fans and analysts alike, and Pittsburgh will lean heavily on his contributions as they seek a return to postseason glory.
Crosby's extension symbolizes more than just individual accomplishments; it reflects his unwavering commitment to the Penguins' success. As the Penguins gear up for another season, the presence of their captain, a player described as both a generational talent and an all-time great, will undoubtedly provide a beacon of hope and leadership both on and off the ice.