Sidney Crosby Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby is poised for a significant milestone following his recent contract extension, which gives him the opportunity to become the franchise’s all-time scoring leader.

Crosby recently signed a two-year, $17.4 million extension, effective next season and lasting until the end of the 2026-27 NHL season. Currently, he is in the final year of a 12-year contract that averages $8.7 million, a figure that cleverly nods to his jersey number, 87, and his birthday on August 7, 1987.

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas shared his admiration for Crosby in a statement, highlighting the player’s influence on the sport, the city, and the organization. “There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins organization,” Dubas stated. “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.”

In signing this new deal, Crosby positions himself to chase and potentially surpass franchise scoring icon Mario Lemieux. With a career total of 592 goals, 1,004 assists, and 1,596 points amassed over 1,272 games, Crosby is just 98 goals, 29 assists, and 127 points shy of Lemieux’s records.

This contract extension ensures that Pittsburgh’s Big Three—Crosby, center Evgeni Malkin, and defenseman Kris Letang—will remain together for at least two more seasons. Malkin is signed through 2026, while Letang will stay with the team until 2028.

Achieving their immediate goal of returning to the playoffs will be crucial for Crosby and the Penguins, especially after failing to qualify in the past two seasons.

Crosby, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, has consistently showcased his prowess by leading his team in scoring for the last four seasons and accumulating over 90 points during the past two seasons.

“His dedication to the Penguins through 2027 ensures that our franchise will have its captain as we go through this phase of our project,” Dubas remarked. “Sid’s commitment reiterates our urgency to build a team around him that can return our team to contention and provide our players with Sid’s leadership and example of what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin.”

In terms of roster changes, the Penguins have recently added promising prospect Rutger McGroarty from the Winnipeg Jets. McGroarty now has the opportunity to secure a position among the team’s top six forwards.

Prior to this move, the Penguins executed a trade sending forward Reilly Smith to the New York Rangers. They also acquired Kevin Hayes from the St. Louis Blues and Cody Glass from the Nashville Predators in separate trades. Additionally, the team signed forwards Anthony Beauvillier and Blake Lizotte, along with defenseman Sebastian Aho.

The excitement surrounding Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins is palpable as they look to turn their fortunes around and aim for playoff success in the upcoming seasons. Crosby’s commitment not only signifies his dedication to the franchise but also serves as a rallying point for both the team and the city of Pittsburgh.

Source: USA Today