Sidney Crosby signed a two-year, $17.4 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins in September 2024. The deal runs through 2026-27, when the captain will be turning nearly 40 years old at the end. However, speculation about his future continues despite the commitment.
The Athletic polled NHL players about where Crosby will play next year after his current contract expires. The responses reveal fascinating insight into how players around the league view the captain’s loyalty and potential late-career decisions.
Nearly Three-Quarters of NHL Players Believe Sidney Crosby Stays With the Penguins
The idea of Crosby in a different sweater is mind-boggling, but 73.7 percent of players surveyed think he’s sticking around. The Penguins’ surprisingly strong start to the 2025-26 season has undoubtedly helped with the image.
The team currently holds a 14-7-6 record through 27 games, while Crosby leads the team with 30 points. Every Penguins player polled answered Pittsburgh, though none provided quotes. However, players around the league shared their thoughts on Crosby’s loyalty.
“He’s been a Penguin for all his career,” one non-Penguin said. “Riding it out and playing all his years there, that would be a special moment for him.” Another emphasized Crosby’s character.
“I think he’s a pretty loyal guy and seems like a guy who’s going to spend his whole career in one place. There’s also been greats who move on and play in other spots, but just the way he comes off and presents himself, he seems like a guy who’s going to be in the same spot forever,” they added.
Others echoed similar sentiments about the captain’s commitment. “I think Crosby is a Pen for life. I can’t see him anywhere else,” wrote one player. Meanwhile, others emphasized his loyalty and his unique connection to the city.
Some, however, believe that his stay with the Penguins is tied more to his current scoring pace. While his projected tally by the end of the 2024-25 regular season is currently 91, three short of his 2023-24 season points of 94.
Others, however, believe that the franchise itself cannot let Crosby walk away. Since joining them in 2005, he has been the face of the franchise. “They’re not going to let him walk. They’d lose too many fans,” one NHLer said.
One player provided additional reasoning. “I think he’s done it all. And he just likes Pittsburgh. I know they’re not as close as some other teams, but I think he’s really comfortable there. And he wants to be like Mario (Lemieux) and finish his career there.”
Another added conditional support. “The way playing and with a couple of the prospects they have, I think he’ll stay in Pittsburgh. If he wants to come to (my team), he should feel free to.”
Montreal and Colorado received attention from 12.7% and 11.9% of players who picked those destinations, respectively. “If you grow up in Eastern Canada, you grow up a Habs fan, right? Just seems like Montreal would be an option,” one player said about the Canadiens connection.
“I don’t think Crosby will ever leave,” another said. “But it would be Montreal if he did.” The rumors linking the Penguins icon to the Habs have been going strong since before he even signed his current deal. So the notion of him going to Montreal makes sense to many.
The Avalanche appeal centers on Crosby’s friendship with Nathan MacKinnon. “To play with (Nathan) MacKinnon,” one player explained simply. Not to mention, if Crosby really wanted that fourth Stanley Cup, the Avalanche seems to be the team to be on.
Either way, there’s still much time before Crosby makes his call. But for now, the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins remain his home.
