Sidney Crosby Extends Contract with Pittsburgh Penguins through 2026-27 Season
The Pittsburgh Penguins have secured the services of their franchise cornerstone, Sidney Crosby, through the 2026-27 season. This extension cements Crosby's legacy with the team, ensuring that the NHL icon will continue to don the Penguins' black and gold for several more years.
Crosby's new contract, which carries an annual average value of $8.7 million, is a testament to his enduring impact on the game and the franchise. At 36 years old, Crosby remains a critical figure in Pittsburgh’s lineup, his influence undiminished by time.
"There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh, and the Penguins organization," said Kyle Dubas, the President of Hockey Operations. "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."
Heading into his 20th season with the Penguins, Crosby's career has been nothing short of legendary. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft, he has consistently proven his worth on the ice. Crosby has led Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cup titles and has appeared in 10 All-Star Games. His accolades include winning two Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player and two Conn Smythe Trophies as the playoff MVP.
Statistically, Crosby has set numerous records for the Penguins. He leads the franchise in games played (1,272), even-strength goals (416), even-strength points (1,025), and game-winning goals (90). His nearly two-decade tenure has also seen him accumulate a staggering 1,596 points, placing him second in franchise history for goals, assists, and points, trailing only the legendary Mario Lemieux.
On an NHL-wide scale, Crosby's achievements are equally impressive. With 1,596 points in 1,272 career games, he ranks 10th in NHL history for points scored. Remarkably, he has maintained an average of at least one point per game in each of his 19 professional seasons.
Last season, Crosby yet again demonstrated his resilience and prowess. He played all 82 regular-season games, amassing 94 points with 42 goals and 52 assists. Despite his prolific performance, the Penguins missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive year, a rare blip in an otherwise illustrious career.
"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," Dubas added. This sentiment underscores Crosby’s commitment not just to his own career, but to the success and future of the franchise he has helped to define.
With Crosby’s contract extension, the Penguins and their fans can look forward to several more seasons of exceptional play from their captain. His presence on the ice and in the locker room will undoubtedly continue to inspire his teammates and the next generation of hockey players.