Sidney Crosby Extends Tenure with Penguins through 2026-27 Season
In a move that solidifies his legacy with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby has extended his contract with the franchise through the 2026-27 season. The announcement comes as Crosby, now 36, is set to embark on his 20th season with the team that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft.
Carrying an annual average value of $8.7 million, Crosby's new deal underscores both his value to the team and his commitment to the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins organization. His previous contract was scheduled to expire at the end of the 2024-25 season, making this extension particularly noteworthy as it ensures Crosby will likely finish his illustrious career in the steel city.
“There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh, and the Penguins organization,” stated Kyle Dubas, the President of Hockey Operations for the Penguins. “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 tenure with the Penguins has been nothing short of storied. He has led Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cup titles and has appeared in 10 All-Star Games. Crosby’s contributions have also earned him two Hart Trophies as the league’s most valuable player and two Conn Smythe Trophies as the playoff MVP. On a franchise level, Crosby leads the Penguins in games played (1,272), even-strength goals (416), even-strength points (1,025), and game-winning goals (90). He is second only to Mario Lemieux in goals (592), assists (1,004), and points (1,596).
Moreover, Crosby is 10th in NHL history with 1,596 points in 1,272 career games. Remarkably consistent, he has averaged at least one point per season for all 19 of his professional seasons, showcasing a level of excellence and durability rarely seen in the sport.
Last season, Crosby played all 82 regular-season games and tallied 94 points, consisting of 42 goals and 52 assists. Despite his outstanding individual performance, the Penguins missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the last two seasons, a disappointment the team will surely aim to rectify with Crosby’s leadership in the coming years.
Crosby’s influence extends well beyond the ice. In the locker room, his presence is a galvanizing force. His dedication to the game and the franchise continues to inspire both teammates and fans alike. As a symbol of resilience and excellence, Crosby remains a central pillar in the Penguins’ efforts to reclaim their status as championship contenders.
With the new contract in place, Crosby’s focus will be on steering the team back to playoff glory. The Penguins, bolstered by his continued presence, gain not just a player of unparalleled skill, but a leader whose drive and vision have been integral to the franchise’s identity for nearly two decades.
The extension is a testament to Crosby's enduring talent and his integral role in the Penguins' past, present, and future. At 36, Crosby shows no signs of slowing down, and his commitment to the team could very well pave the way for more magical moments in Pittsburgh’s storied hockey history.