Sidney Crosby Extends Pittsburgh Penguins Contract Through 2026-27 Season
In a move that cements Sidney Crosby's legacy with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the star center has extended his contract with the team through the 2026-27 season. Crosby's new deal carries an annual average value of $8.7 million, a symbolic nod to his jersey number and longstanding contributions to the franchise.
Current President of Hockey Operations, Kyle Dubas, underscored Crosby's significance in a statement, saying, “There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh, and the Penguins organization.” Indeed, Crosby's impact on hockey and Pittsburgh is immense, and his newest deal ensures that he will continue to grace the ice with the Penguins for several more seasons.
At 36 years old, Crosby's career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, he has since led the Penguins to three Stanley Cup titles and made 10 appearances in the All-Star Games. Crosby has also collected numerous individual accolades, including two Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player and two Conn Smythe Trophies as the playoff MVP.
As Crosby embarks on his 20th season with the Penguins, the significance of his long-term commitment to the team cannot be overstated. "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," Dubas added, noting Crosby's enduring dedication and influence.
Crosby's previous contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season. By extending his tenure, Crosby has made what Dubas referred to as "a tremendous personal sacrifice in an effort to help the Penguins win, both now and in the future." This decision exemplifies Crosby's leadership and unwavering commitment to the team and its success.
Throughout his illustrious career, Crosby has shattered numerous records and achieved remarkable milestones. He leads the franchise in several key statistical categories, including games played (1,272), even-strength goals (416), even-strength points (1,025), and game-winning goals (90). Additionally, he ranks second in goals (592), assists (1,004), and points (1,596) for the Penguins, trailing only the legendary Mario Lemieux.
On a league-wide scale, Crosby is 10th in NHL history with 1,596 points accumulated over 1,272 career games. Remarkably, he has averaged at least one point per season for all 19 of his professional seasons, highlighting his consistent performance and durability.
Last season, Crosby showcased his enduring skill and stamina by playing all 82 regular-season games and amassing 94 points, comprised of 42 goals and 52 assists. Despite his stellar performance, the Penguins missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season, a rare blemish on an otherwise impeccable career.
As the Penguins prepare for the upcoming seasons with Crosby at the helm, fans and the hockey community alike can expect more thrilling moments and remarkable achievements from the all-time great. His contract extension is more than just a business agreement—it is a testament to his lasting legacy, leadership, and the indelible mark he has made on the sport of hockey.