In Cranberry, Pennsylvania, during an interview at the Penguins` practice facility about his long-term teammate Sidney Crosby, 39-year-old Russian center Evgeni Malkin highlighted Crosby`s unmatched status. Malkin asked, gesturing towards the team`s discreet security detail in the doorway, “Do you see the security here? It`s not my security. It`s Sidney Crosby`s security.”
Malkin`s own impressive career includes a Calder Trophy, a Hart Trophy, two scoring titles, and three Stanley Cups, all contributing to a glorious nine-year period for the Penguins—achievements that undeniably merit star recognition.
However, Sidney Crosby`s superstar aura remains unparalleled, not just within the Penguins organization, but arguably across the entire hockey world. His reputation is spotless, matched only by his extensive list of on-ice achievements. Kris Letang, another cornerstone of Pittsburgh`s core trio, affirmed: “You never heard one bad thing about Sidney Crosby. He`s perfect. He`s the perfect ambassador for the game.”
Consequently, as Crosby approaches his 21st NHL season, considerable discussion surrounds his future. There`s a debate about whether one of hockey`s most exceptional talents risks squandering the twilight of his career by clinging to past glories with the Pittsburgh franchise.
Crosby`s offensive output is remarkable, boasting 1,687 points in 1,352 career games and counting. Historically, very few players maintain such consistency and competitiveness deep into their careers. Last season, while still excelling in his well-rounded two-way game, Crosby tallied 91 points (33 goals, 58 assists) in 80 games, outpacing the next Penguins player by 21 points. His enduring excellence was further recognized in an April NHLPA poll, where his peers voted him the `most complete player` for the sixth consecutive season.
Even Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid, a decade Crosby`s junior at 28 and currently in his prime, still holds immense respect for him. McDavid strongly supported Crosby captaining Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, calling the decision “a no-brainer.” Last fall, McDavid remarked, “He hasn`t seemed to change at all. He has been great year after year. It`s so impressive to see someone I grew up admiring still doing it to this day.”
Crosby has continued to excel in high-stakes international competitions. This includes the highly anticipated return of NHL players to the Olympics this February, an event where he is expected to once again lead Team Canada as captain.
Conversely, the outlook for the Penguins is less optimistic. Their impressive 16-year streak of Stanley Cup playoff appearances concluded in 2023, and they have not made a return since. General Manager Kyle Dubas has initiated a rebuilding phase, focusing on replenishing a prospect pool that was depleted by years of trading draft picks and young talent in pursuit of championships. This season`s opening night roster will include five rookies, guided by new head coach Dan Muse, who is only five years Crosby`s senior. The team is clearly prioritizing future growth.
“We are in a period of transition, and our objective, our expectation, is to become not just contenders again, but to compete consistently,” Muse stated. “It`s about more than just making the playoffs; it`s about being a genuine contender and maintaining that status. This has been explicitly clear to me since day one, and it`s a message that has remained consistent.”
The precise timeline for this strategy remains uncertain, even for the Penguins themselves, as it hinges on numerous factors, notably player development.
Crosby`s stellar showing at the 4 Nations tournament, where he equaled McDavid with five points in four games as Canada claimed victory, underscored his continued ability to shine on hockey`s most elite platforms.
Sources close to 38-year-old Crosby suggest that remaining with a rebuilding team with an indefinite timeline could be detrimental to his legacy and the sport itself. His long-standing agent, Pat Brisson, has publicly stated his personal conviction that Crosby should be playing in the playoffs.
Crosby, however, remains singularly focused. While this might sound like a platitude from others, for Crosby, his unwavering determination is rooted in meticulous detail and a strict routine. He asserts that his approach each season is consistent, aiming to be prepared for play deep into June. He also insists he has not seriously contemplated a trade. Crosby explained: “I know that if all my energy isn`t directed towards what it needs to be, then I`m not giving myself the best chance for success. If it ever came to that point, I would discuss it, but I don`t feel like I`m there.”
This season marks the beginning of Crosby`s two-year contract extension, signed in the summer of 2024. The deal is notably team-friendly, carrying an average annual value of $8.7 million, potentially half of his market worth. Furthermore, it`s a highly tradable contract, with Crosby holding all the leverage due to a full no-movement clause. League sources indicate the Penguins would never ask Crosby to waive this clause, respecting his status. Any potential trade would thus originate from Crosby himself, allowing him to dictate the timing and destination. The Penguins would then seek fair compensation, and the process would likely unfold discreetly.
Alternatively, a trade might not occur at all, as Crosby`s future is solely his decision. He deeply desires to win again, but specifically with Pittsburgh. Throughout his career, he has shown remarkable loyalty to the city and his teammates, particularly to Malkin and Letang, forming the longest-serving trio of teammates in major North American sports history. Malkin fondly described Crosby: “He`s a very special person for me, probably my best friend here in Pittsburgh. The first person I met when I arrived, I had dinner with Mario [Lemieux] and Sid. After that, we were always together. He texts me all summer, and during the season, we support each other. It`s not always perfect; sometimes we need to understand each other, especially with issues like games or family. He constantly tells me, `If you need anything, come to my house.`”
Malkin is entering the final year of his contract, which is expected to fuel trade speculation surrounding him. Upon the opening of Penguins camp, Malkin expressed his desire for it not to be his last season in Pittsburgh, though he acknowledged this would depend on both his and the team`s performance. Last season, Malkin recorded 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games. Letang, meanwhile, is under contract until 2028.
Bryan Rust, Crosby`s top-line winger, is another player to monitor this season. Rust is signed for three more seasons and, at 33, is content in Pittsburgh and hopes to remain. However, he lacks trade protection. If the Penguins receive a compelling offer that could significantly advance their rebuild, Rust might be traded, much like Jake Guentzel was two years prior.
Crosby`s deep ties to Pittsburgh extend beyond on-ice friendships; they encompass his profound relationships with the community.
Letang shared an example: “We have the children`s hospital visit that we do once a year with the entire team. There are tons of cameras. But he`s also going to visit patients in a different hospital, completely off the radar. I witnessed this firsthand one year because he invited me to join him.” Indeed, youth hockey in Pittsburgh has seen explosive growth since Crosby`s arrival. The “Little Penguins Learn to Play” program, initiated by Crosby in 2008, has introduced thousands of children to the sport, solidifying a mutually beneficial long-term relationship between Crosby and the city.
Recalling his early days, Crosby stated: “I still remember my first day going there, getting to the airport, coming down the escalators, and it was just packed. To receive that kind of welcoming, and then from arriving at the rink to living with Mario [Lemieux], there were so many amazing first impressions, followed by great memories ever since. I`ve been there a long time, and I couldn`t be more grateful that it worked out the way it has and that I was drafted there.”
Those familiar with Crosby`s perspective suggest he highly values the unique honor of playing for a single franchise throughout his career. This sentiment was echoed by former Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who upon announcing his retirement this season, expressed great pride in spending his entire career with one team.
However, a compelling counter-example exists in Tom Brady. While he remains New England`s undisputed all-time franchise legend, after two decades, he signed with the Buccaneers and successfully capped his career with another championship.
This leads to a crucial question: What continues to drive Sidney Crosby at this stage of his illustrious career?
Crosby responded: “As you play, if you still possess the passion, you discover different sources of motivation. This year is clearly an Olympic year, which is a significant motivator. But generally, my motivation is simply to be my best. Whatever that entails, regardless of age or expectations, I consistently strive for my best, and that`s sufficient for me.”
Malkin offered further insight, stating: “I believe he mentally aims to prove every year that he can play at 100%. And the mindset is, perhaps, `one more Cup.` We want to win together again, because our last Cup feels like ten years ago.” In reality, it has only been eight years since the Penguins` last championship, but for a player of Crosby`s caliber, such a drought can indeed feel like an eternity.
