Sidney Crosby is heading into his 22nd NHL season with a clear message: he wants to keep playing multiple additional years beyond this one. His agent, Pat Brisson, is already deep in contract talks with Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas, setting the stage for what could be the final, massive chapter of Crosby’s incredible career.
The Clock Ticks on an $8.7 Million Legacy
Crosby, who will be 38 this season, is on an expiring $8.7 million AAV deal. It’s a number that has been synonymous with him, a value he’s signed at three times over 18 seasons. But things are changing. Crosby told reporters Tuesday that while he feels “pretty good,” projecting where he’ll be year to year at his age is just “a little bit more difficult.” He wants to continue playing “for a number of years” but acknowledges his “mind and body” will eventually tell him the final number. What’s wild is he’s not even “set on” whether his next deal will be a single-season or multi-year contract. He’s in no rush, either, saying there’s “no timeline on it” and they’re “just gonna talk.”
The $12 Million Question and a Changing Market
Here’s where it gets wild: Brisson dropped a hint back in July, telling San Jose Hockey Now that Crosby “may sign a one-year deal for $12 million.” That’s a significant jump from his long-standing $8.7 million, a figure Brisson previously indicated Crosby “didn’t care much” about for his latest extension, and one that was impacted by his concussion history on his second deal. Now, with top NHL centers like Leo Carlsson and Macklin Celebrini recently signing contracts for a staggering $18.8 million AAV, the market has exploded. Crosby’s potential $12 million would be a statement, and a reflection of his enduring value, even at his age.
What This Means for the Penguins’ Playoff Hopes
Make no mistake, Crosby is still an elite force. Last spring, he averaged a point per game for a mind-blowing 21st straight season and actually led the Penguins on their first playoff run in four years. He’s the NHL’s active points leader. He’s returning alongside longtime teammate Evgeni Malkin, who himself earned a one-year extension after a point-per-game campaign, despite buzz last season was expected to be his last in Pittsburgh. The question now looms: can Crosby once more keep this team in the playoff conversation as these contract negotiations continue this fall? How he performs, and how his contract situation plays out, could directly impact whether potential trade candidates like Malkin, Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, or Erik Karlsson are still in Pittsburgh come the March 2027 trade deadline. Pittsburgh is holding its breath as the future of its franchise legend hangs in the balance.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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