PITTSBURGH — Sidney Crosby isn’t sure how much longer he’ll be playing hockey.
But he’s not so sure about where he wants to do it.
The Pittsburgh Penguins star signed a two-year contract extension on Monday that will keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2026-27 season. The deal, with an average annual salary of $8.7 million, will keep Crosby in Pittsburgh until nearly his 40th birthday.
The agreement was reached on the eve of Crosby’s 20th training camp with the Penguins, who selected him first overall in the 2005 draft. Crosby was eligible to sign the extension on July 1. With negotiations dragging on longer than expected, Crosby announced last week that “I’m pretty optimistic.” Something that can be accomplished before the season starts.
Crosby suggested the delay was simply because he wasn’t clear about how much longer he intended to play.
“It’s hard to predict how I’ll feel in a few years.” Crosby said. “You just have to make sure it’s meaningful for you and for the team.”
The 37-year-old Crosby, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time league MVP, didn’t ask for a raise despite being one of the NHL’s most productive players. Crosby led the Penguins in goals (42), assists (52) and points (94) last season, far ahead of other players on a struggling team that missed the playoffs for the second straight season.
“Sydney is the greatest player of her generation and one of the greatest in the history of the sport.” General manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement. “His actions today speak to why he is one of hockey’s greatest winners and leaders. Sid is making tremendous personal sacrifices to help the Penguins win now and in the future, just as he has done throughout his career.”
If Crosby’s salary remains flat, it would give the Penguins a little more breathing room as the NHL’s oldest franchise tries to find a way to rejoin the championship fray.
Pittsburgh made the playoffs 16 consecutive years from 2007 to 2022 but missed the playoffs the past two seasons. Crosby said he got assurances from Dubas during negotiations that the club remains committed to being competitive while trying to develop a young core of players centered around Crosby and longtime teammates Evgeni Malkin (38) and Kris Letang (37).
“The organization and ownership team still have a strong desire and determination to win.” Crosby said. “That’s been a fact and it’s been there since I’ve been here. That’s important.”
Dubas said Crosby’s decision to stay with the team for $8.7 million — a salary cap that doesn’t even rank in the NHL’s top 40 despite having arguably the most decorated resume of any active player — symbolizes his determination to fast-track and help Pittsburgh’s rebuild.
“His commitment to the Penguins through 2027 ensures that our franchise has a captain at this stage of our project.” Dubas said.
Crosby has played the most games in franchise history (1,272) and ranks behind Mario Lemieux in every other major category, including goals (592, second), assists (1,004, second) and points (1,596, second). Crosby will enter the 2024-25 season ranked 10th in league history in points. Last year, he became just the second player in NBA history to average at least a point per game in 19 seasons, joining Wayne Gretzky.
The Penguins open training camp on Wednesday and begin the regular season at home against the New York Rangers on Oct. 9. Signing Crosby removes any major obstacles and allows him to focus on his game, which remains at the top of his game as he enters his 20th year in the NHL.
“I feel good,” He said. “I still love the game and I want to compete. I’m not thinking too far ahead, but I’ll keep playing as long as I can.”