Embrace the Next Chapter with Sidney Crosby
As you settle in for the next three years, prepare to witness the brilliance of Sidney Crosby donning the iconic Pittsburgh Penguins jersey. Savor every moment. Allow yourself to feel a bit nostalgic, if you must. The truth is, you may never encounter a player of his caliber again.
When we speak of Crosby, we often highlight his extraordinary skills on the ice—the deft backhand, remarkable vision, sheer power, and relentless tenacity. These attributes have rightfully positioned him among the elite in hockey history. However, this reflection goes beyond mere statistics and on-ice prowess; it delves into who Crosby is as a person, especially in an era where sports is often tainted by greed and self-interest.
Yes, Crosby will earn a substantial salary next season—more than most of us can fathom. It’s safe to say he’s not living in a one-bedroom apartment anytime soon. Yet, the essence of his recent contract speaks volumes about his character and leadership as the captain of the Penguins.
GO DEEPER
Penguins re-sign Crosby to a new 2-year contract
By signing a two-year contract that commences after this season, Crosby has chosen to forgo a larger paycheck, opting to maintain his salary-cap hit at $8.7 million per season. While his many superstitions are well-documented and often exaggerated, they pale in comparison to his unyielding commitment to the success of the franchise. He isn’t driven by greed; rather, he genuinely cares about the Penguins’ future.
In this scenario, general manager Kyle Dubas found himself in a unique position. While Dubas is well-compensated and wields considerable power, he is not more influential than Crosby. In other cities, such dynamics might differ, but in Pittsburgh, the stars of hockey shine brighter than the franchise itself. Crosby, in particular, stands out—not just as a star, but as one of the pivotal hockey figures of this century. Even now, he continues to perform at an elite level and could have easily negotiated for a more lucrative deal. Dubas would have obliged; he had little choice.
Crosby, however, consistently prioritizes the team over his own interests. His genuine and selfless nature reflects the true essence of who he is. Winning has always been his primary motivation, a mindset he embraced since bursting onto the scene as a 17-year-old two decades ago.
The significance of this two-year contract extends beyond the financial aspect. It carries implications worth exploring:
- At the very least, fans can look forward to witnessing Crosby’s talent for three more seasons, a comforting thought for those bracing for his eventual retirement.
- The Penguins will not enter a “full rebuild” phase for at least the next three years. As Dubas has indicated, with Crosby on the roster, they are unlikely to sink to the bottom of the standings. Instead, expect a strategic mini-rebuild or reload.
- Crosby could have easily requested additional years on his contract. The franchise would have been more than willing to accommodate him. By choosing not to, he demonstrates his intention not to hinder the team’s flexibility. What if, after a couple of years, he found his passion waning? Or if age caught up with him? Though he has exhibited a remarkable ability to maintain excellence, he is, after all, human, and he understands the potential impact of his decisions on the Penguins’ future.
The worst-case scenario might see Crosby playing for another three years, the Penguins missing the playoffs, and Crosby retiring in 2027, leaving Dubas with ample resources to reshape the team quickly. In such a scenario, fans would still have the opportunity to celebrate Crosby’s farewell tour, all while knowing that a new generation of players is gaining invaluable experience under the guidance of one of hockey’s greatest captains.
This is the beauty of the two-year contract: it allows for the enjoyment of Crosby’s presence without committing to a long-term arrangement that could create complications down the road. If he continues to excel at 39 and desires to play on, there’s no reason to push him out. By then, the Penguins may be poised for another championship run.
Dubas is executing his responsibilities effectively, showing unwavering dedication to nurturing young talent. This approach differs significantly from the sporadic call-ups from Wilkes-Barre seen in recent seasons.
The ideal scenario would see Crosby, still among the league’s top players, maintain his performance while a cadre of young talent rises to prominence. If these two elements converge, Crosby’s final chapter with the Penguins could unfold in a spectacular way, potentially culminating in one last championship push alongside emerging stars.
Such a scenario is not far-fetched, thanks in part to the contract he just signed. It affords the franchise necessary financial wiggle room to bolster the roster while ensuring Crosby remains a central figure in the organization for a little longer. If he remains motivated and effective at 39, a new short-term deal could easily be on the horizon. Why wouldn’t it be?
This contract is a testament to Crosby’s practicality, generosity, and intelligence. It embodies everything we admire about him. As he continues to receive adoration from fans in Pittsburgh and around the globe, it’s essential to recognize that he reciprocates that affection in equal measure.
(Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
