After a three-year drought, the Pittsburgh Penguins have finally made it to the playoffs, leaning on a more disciplined structure. At the center of that push is their captain, Sidney Crosby, who continues to produce at an elite level despite his age.
While the focus is still on the postseason, attention has also started to shift towards what lies ahead. As it turns out, the NHL community already seems to have a clear idea of what comes next for Crosby.
NHL Player Poll Reveals Sidney Crosby As Top Future Head Coach Candidate
Crosby remains fully active and central to Pittsburgh’s plans, leading the team into the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs after a strong regular season finish. At 38, he continues to produce at an elite rate, recording his 21st straight point-per-game season while guiding the Penguins to second place in the Metropolitan Division.
His current deal runs through the 2026-27 season, and there has been no indication that he plans to step away soon.
But still, players across the league have already formed a clear view of what his path off the ice could look like. In the 2025-26 NHLPA Player Poll, Crosby finished as the top choice for the active player most likely to succeed as a head coach. He received 10.3% of the vote, finishing ahead of veterans like Nick Foligno, David Perron, John Tavares, and Ryan Strome.
The poll result stands out because it comes directly from players who face him and study his game closely. Last year, Crosby was voted the league’s “Most Complete Player” for the sixth straight year, along with being recognized as the “Smartest Overall Player.” These labels align with the idea that his hockey IQ could translate effectively behind the bench, even if that role is not something he currently seeks.
For now, his focus remains entirely on playing. Crosby led Pittsburgh with 74 points in 68 games this season and played a key role in their return to the playoffs after a 3-year absence. He also passed Mario Lemieux as the franchise’s all-time points leader and continues to climb the league’s all-time list, now sitting 7th with 1,761 career points.
His recent stretch after returning from injury further highlights his value, considering he posted 15 points in 12 games to help secure the team’s playoff position, giving Pittsburgh momentum heading into a first-round matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers.
While the future will eventually arrive, Crosby’s present remains firmly intact. Still, the league has already made its opinion clear that Crosby has the traits of a good NHL coach, and we could always use a little more of Crosby in this league.
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