Sidney Crosby signs contract extension with Pittsburgh Penguins

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Liam McCormick
September 16, 2024 (9:46)

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Moments ago, news broke that hockey icon Sidney Crosby has signed a contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The 37 year old has re-signed for only $8.7M. It's the same salary as his last contract that spanned 12 years, and obviously, it's the same as his legendary jersey number. For a player who scored 42 goals and 94 points last season on a non-playoff team, it's a massive discount of a contract too.

Given the fact that superstar like Crosby typically sign contract extensions earlier and that the Penguins aren't a playoff team, there was some speculation that Crosby may be considering leaving Pittsburgh. Earlier in his career, Crosby even said he couldn't see himself playing until age 40. It's clear now that he's come around to being a Penguin for life, and continuing his career as long as he's still on top of his game.

»I don't want to look too far ahead. To predict that now is impossible, but I would say I'm more open to getting to that point [of playing at age 40].»

- Sidney Crosby, 32 Thoughts Podcast

According to Pierre LeBrun, salary was never important for Crosby in the contract negotiations. He was only concerned with how long he wants to continue his career, and wanted to leave money on the table to allow the Penguins to be more competitive. Insiders had previously thought that Crosby could get up to $10.87M instead.

With 1272 career games played, three Stanley Cups, and every individual award possible, Sidney Crosby is undoubtedly one of the greatest hockey players to ever play. It'll be a privilege for NHL fans to watch him for at least the next two years, and it's fantastic that he can fulfill his dream of being a lifelong Penguin, just like his mentor Mario Lemieux.

Do you think Sidney Crosby will retire after this contract expires? Let us know in the poll below!