Sidney Crosby Extends Contract with Pittsburgh Penguins
In a move that underscores his dedication to both the game of hockey and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby has inked a contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2026-27 season. The deal places his annual average salary at $8.7 million, ensuring that the superstar remains a critical part of the Penguins' lineup for years to come.
At 36 years old, Crosby’s career continues to shine brightly. His previous contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, but this extension demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his team and fans. As he prepares for his 20th season with the Penguins, the NHL veteran remains a formidable force on the ice. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, Crosby has been pivotal in leading Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cup titles.
Penguins President of Hockey Operations Kyle Dubas expressed profound admiration for Crosby’s contributions. “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. “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 legacy is solidified not just by accolades but by sheer statistics. He has appeared in 10 All-Star Games, won two Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player, and has taken home two Conn Smythe Trophies as the playoff MVP. Within the Penguins franchise, Crosby holds several records, leading in games played (1,272), even-strength goals (416), even-strength points (1,025), and game-winning goals (90). He ranks second, only trailing Mario Lemieux, in goals (592), assists (1,004), and points (1,596). On a league-wide scale, Crosby stands 10th in NHL history with 1,596 points accumulated across his 1,272 career games.
Remarkably, Crosby has maintained an average of at least one point per game for all 19 of his professional seasons. Last season, he played all 82 regular-season games and notched 94 points, consisting of 42 goals and 52 assists, underscoring his continued elite performance. Despite his individual success, the Penguins have fallen short in recent years, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the last two seasons.
The contract extension comes as Crosby aims to steer the team back to its winning ways. Reflecting on his storied career, one aspect remains clear: Sidney Crosby's influence and impact on the sport and the Pittsburgh Penguins is immeasurable, and his leadership will be pivotal in shaping the team’s future.