Sidney Crosby, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is optimistic about signing a contract extension before the upcoming NHL season. Speaking at the NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas, Crosby conveyed confidence that an extension will be finalized soon.
“I’m pretty optimistic it’s going to get done,” Crosby told reporters, including theScore’s John Matisz. “I don’t know what day specifically, but it’s been really positive. It hasn’t been a difficult process at all.”
Crosby is entering the final season of his 12-year, $104.4-million contract signed in 2012. He could become an unrestricted free agent in 2025. Although reports in July suggested that Crosby and the Penguins were nearing an extension, the deal remains unsigned.
Speculation arose that Crosby might consider joining a contender due to the Penguins’ recent playoff absences and his contract situation. However, Crosby’s remarks suggest that he is committed to remaining with the Penguins.
At 37, Crosby continues to perform at a high level despite the team’s recent struggles, recording 93 points in the 2022-23 season and 94 points in 2023-24. He finished among the top 10 in both Hart Trophy and Selke Trophy voting this past season.
Crosby expressed a desire to continue playing for several more years. “I feel really good. I’m excited about going to training camp as I was my first year. So, I think the passion and that sort of thing is all there,” he said. “As long as that’s there, then you’re willing to put in the work and do everything that it takes to be successful, and hopefully it can be at least a few more.”
Since being selected first overall in the 2005 NHL Draft, Crosby has won three Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythe Trophies, two Hart Trophies, and various other awards during his 19-season career with the Penguins. He is 128 points away from surpassing Mario Lemieux for the most points in franchise history.
