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Sidney Crosby is not ready to map out the final years of his NHL career just yet. After completing his 21st season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the veteran captain admitted he is still taking a cautious approach toward his future contract plans.
Crosby is entering the last year of his two-year, $17,400,000 contract with the Penguins and will be eligible to sign an extension on July 1. So, he has the two options, either signing a short-term extension (possibly a one-or two-year deal), or a slightly longer deal.
Speaking with The Athletic on Wednesday from Switzerland, Crosby explained why he prefers a year-to-year mindset at this stage of his career.
“Yeah, I’m saying year to year based on contracts,” Crosby said, as quoted by Josh Yohe. “It just seems to make sense. I mean, it could change. We’ll see. Kyle (Dubas) and I haven’t even talked about it. But I’ll talk with Pat (Brisson) and Kyle later this summer. We’ll talk about it and do what makes sense.”
Crosby then added, “If it does make sense to sign for a couple of years, then we’ll do that.”
MORE: Sidney Crosby reacts to painful playoff end as Penguins fall in OT
The comments reflect where both Crosby and the Penguins currently stand. Pittsburgh finally returned to the playoffs in 2025-26 after a three-year postseason drought, but the roster still looks caught between contending and rebuilding. Crosby remains elite, yet the organization has difficult long-term questions to answer around its aging core.
The 38-year-old (turning 39 in August) once again carried the team offensively. Crosby posted 74 points in 68 regular-season games (21st point per game season) despite missing four weeks through injury. He also added five points in six playoff games before Pittsburgh fell to the Philadelphia Flyers in the opening round.
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) warms up before a game at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Crosby’s contract situation is tied directly to the Penguins’ competitive timeline. General manager Kyle Dubas has started reshaping the roster, but Pittsburgh still leans heavily on Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang in crucial moments.
That dependence remains both a strength and a concern. Crosby can still drive play at a top-line level, but the Penguins need younger players to consistently support him if they want another legitimate Stanley Cup window.
MORE: Maple Leafs staring at rebuild if Auston Matthews wants out
There were encouraging signs late in the year. Crosby helped end the playoff drought with a strong finish, including a two-assist performance in the clinching win over New Jersey. He finished with 7 points in his last four regular-season games.
Internationally, he is also looking sharp alongside Macklin Celebrini at the 2026 IIHF World Championship and has 5 points so far. Their chemistry highlighted Crosby’s ability to adapt and elevate younger talent.
Still, Crosby appears focused on evaluating Pittsburgh’s direction before committing beyond 2027. If the Penguins show progress under Dubas, another short-term extension remains realistic. If not, Crosby may prefer flexibility rather than locking himself into a lengthy deal.
Continue reading...
Crosby is entering the last year of his two-year, $17,400,000 contract with the Penguins and will be eligible to sign an extension on July 1. So, he has the two options, either signing a short-term extension (possibly a one-or two-year deal), or a slightly longer deal.
Speaking with The Athletic on Wednesday from Switzerland, Crosby explained why he prefers a year-to-year mindset at this stage of his career.
“Yeah, I’m saying year to year based on contracts,” Crosby said, as quoted by Josh Yohe. “It just seems to make sense. I mean, it could change. We’ll see. Kyle (Dubas) and I haven’t even talked about it. But I’ll talk with Pat (Brisson) and Kyle later this summer. We’ll talk about it and do what makes sense.”
Crosby then added, “If it does make sense to sign for a couple of years, then we’ll do that.”
MORE: Sidney Crosby reacts to painful playoff end as Penguins fall in OT
The comments reflect where both Crosby and the Penguins currently stand. Pittsburgh finally returned to the playoffs in 2025-26 after a three-year postseason drought, but the roster still looks caught between contending and rebuilding. Crosby remains elite, yet the organization has difficult long-term questions to answer around its aging core.
The 38-year-old (turning 39 in August) once again carried the team offensively. Crosby posted 74 points in 68 regular-season games (21st point per game season) despite missing four weeks through injury. He also added five points in six playoff games before Pittsburgh fell to the Philadelphia Flyers in the opening round.
Penguins still rely heavily on Sidney Crosby
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Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) warms up before a game at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Crosby’s contract situation is tied directly to the Penguins’ competitive timeline. General manager Kyle Dubas has started reshaping the roster, but Pittsburgh still leans heavily on Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang in crucial moments.
That dependence remains both a strength and a concern. Crosby can still drive play at a top-line level, but the Penguins need younger players to consistently support him if they want another legitimate Stanley Cup window.
MORE: Maple Leafs staring at rebuild if Auston Matthews wants out
There were encouraging signs late in the year. Crosby helped end the playoff drought with a strong finish, including a two-assist performance in the clinching win over New Jersey. He finished with 7 points in his last four regular-season games.
Internationally, he is also looking sharp alongside Macklin Celebrini at the 2026 IIHF World Championship and has 5 points so far. Their chemistry highlighted Crosby’s ability to adapt and elevate younger talent.
Still, Crosby appears focused on evaluating Pittsburgh’s direction before committing beyond 2027. If the Penguins show progress under Dubas, another short-term extension remains realistic. If not, Crosby may prefer flexibility rather than locking himself into a lengthy deal.
Continue reading...
