At the Pittsburgh Penguins` practice facility in Cranberry, Pennsylvania, during an interview focused on his long-time teammate Sidney Crosby, 39-year-old Russian center Evgeni Malkin made a significant point. He gestured towards the discreet security detail, emphasizing, “It`s like, not my security. It`s Sidney Crosby`s security.”
Despite Malkin`s own impressive career accolades, including a Calder Trophy, Hart Trophy, two scoring titles, and three Stanley Cups that brought the Penguins back to prominence, his celebrity status is arguably unmatched by Crosby within the team, and perhaps across the entire hockey world.
Crosby, the team captain, maintains an impeccable reputation and an extensive list of on-ice accomplishments. Kris Letang, the third member of Pittsburgh`s storied “big three,” lauded Crosby, saying, “You never heard one bad thing about Sidney Crosby. He`s perfect. He`s the perfect ambassador for the game.”
As Crosby prepares for his 21st season in the National Hockey League, there`s widespread discussion about his future and whether one of hockey`s most extraordinary talents is spending his final career chapter holding onto past glories in Pittsburgh.
Crosby`s statistical output remains phenomenal, with 1,687 points in 1,352 career games and counting. Few players in hockey history have sustained such consistency and competitive drive into the twilight of their careers. This past season, he amassed 91 points (33 goals, 58 assists) in 80 games, leading the Penguins by a substantial 21 points, all while playing his customary robust two-way game. An NHLPA poll released in April saw his peers vote him the “most complete player” in the league for the sixth consecutive season.
Even Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, a decade younger than Crosby at 28 and in the prime of his career, defers to him. McDavid strongly advocated for Crosby to captain Team Canada at the February 4 Nations Face-Off, calling it a “no-brainer.” Last fall, McDavid remarked on Crosby`s unchanging excellence: “He hasn`t seemed to change at all. He has been great year after year. It`s so impressive to see someone I grew up admiring still doing it to this day.”
While Crosby continues to thrive on the international stage – with NHL players` much-anticipated return to the Olympics this February, where he is likely to captain Team Canada once more – the prognosis for the Penguins themselves is less encouraging. Pittsburgh`s remarkable 16-year Stanley Cup playoffs streak concluded in 2023, and the team has not returned to the postseason since.
General Manager Kyle Dubas has initiated a rebuilding phase, focused on replenishing a prospect pool that was largely depleted through trades made in pursuit of past championships. The Penguins` opening night roster will feature five rookies, under the guidance of first-time head coach Dan Muse, who is only five years older than Crosby, signaling a clear investment in the team`s future.
Coach Muse articulated the team`s current state: “We`re in a period of transition, and our goal is, and the expectation is, we`re going to get to the point where we`re not just contenders again, but it`s gonna be contending on a consistent basis. It`s not just get back into the playoffs; it`s to be a true contender, and then to stay there.” He stressed that this message has been consistently clear from day one.
The precise timeline for this revitalization remains uncertain, even to the Penguins, as its success hinges on various factors, particularly player development.
Meanwhile, Crosby`s performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off (where he tied McDavid for the team lead with five points in four games as Canada won the tournament) underscored the excitement of witnessing him compete on hockey`s most competitive stages.
Some individuals close to the 38-year-old Crosby, including his long-time agent Pat Brisson, have suggested that remaining with a rebuilding team with no clear end in sight is a disservice to his career. Brisson has publicly stated his personal belief that Crosby should be playing playoff hockey.
For his part, Crosby maintains an unwavering focus. While this might sound like a platitude from many athletes, it rings true for Crosby, whose dedication is fueled by meticulous attention to detail and an ingrained routine. He asserts that his mindset each season is consistent: to prepare himself to play deep into June. He maintains that he has not seriously considered a trade to this point.
Crosby explained his commitment: “I know that if all my energy isn`t towards what it needs to be, then I`m not giving myself the best chance for it to be successful. If it ever came to that point, I would discuss it, but I don`t feel like I`m there.”
Crosby`s two-year extension, signed in the summer of 2024, is now active. It is an exceptionally team-friendly deal with an $8.7 million average annual value, likely half of what he could command on the open market. This contract is also highly tradable, but Crosby holds all the leverage due to a full no-movement clause. League sources believe the Penguins would never approach him to waive it, out of deference. Any trade would have to be initiated by Crosby, who would choose the timing and his desired destination, with the Penguins seeking fair compensation. Such a move would likely be handled with utmost discretion.
Alternatively, a trade might not happen at all. Crosby`s future is entirely his decision. He is driven to win again, but his strong preference is to do so in Pittsburgh. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated incredible loyalty to the city and his teammates, especially Malkin and Letang, who together form the longest-tenured trio of teammates in major North American sports history.
Malkin spoke candidly about his bond with Crosby: “He`s a very special person for me, because he`s probably my best friend here in Pittsburgh. First guy I met when I went to Pittsburgh, I go to dinner with Mario [Lemieux] and Sid. And after, we`re always together. He texts me all summer, you know? He texts me during season, we try to support each other. It`s not always perfect, you know? Sometimes, like, we need to understand each other. Some guys have problem with, like, games, with families, you know? Like — and he asks me, like — all the time like, `If you need anything, come to my house.`”
Malkin is entering the final year of his contract, which is expected to intensify trade speculation around him as well. As the Penguins opened camp, Malkin expressed his hope that it wouldn`t be his last season in Pittsburgh but admitted that his future would depend on both his and the team`s performance. Last season, Malkin scored 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games. Kris Letang`s contract extends through 2028.
Another player to monitor this season is Bryan Rust, Crosby`s winger on the top line. Rust is signed for the next three seasons and is reportedly happy in Pittsburgh, wishing to stay. However, he lacks trade protection. Should the Penguins receive a compelling offer – a package that could significantly accelerate their rebuild – Rust could be traded, much like Jake Guentzel was two years ago.
Crosby`s connection to Pittsburgh extends beyond his teammates to his deep relationships within the wider community.
Letang recounted how Crosby participates in the annual team visit to the children`s hospital, which is widely publicized, but also makes private, unannounced visits to other hospitals. Letang witnessed this dedication firsthand when Crosby invited him along one year to see what he was doing behind the scenes.
Since Crosby`s arrival, youth hockey in Pittsburgh has experienced a significant boom. The “Little Penguins Learn to Play” program, which he launched in 2008, has introduced thousands of children to the sport. His relationship with the city has been a truly long-term and mutually beneficial partnership.
Crosby expressed deep gratitude for his journey: “I still remember my first day going there, getting to the airport, coming down the escalators, and just it was packed. To have that kind of welcoming, and then just, right from arriving at the rink to living with Mario, just so many amazing first impressions, but then great memories since. It`s been a long time I`ve been there, and I couldn`t be more grateful that it worked out the way it has and that I was drafted there.”
Those close to Crosby believe he places high value on the distinction of playing his entire career with a single team. The recent retirement of Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, who noted his pride in playing for a single city, highlights this sentiment.
However, there`s a counter-argument to consider: Tom Brady. Despite spending 20 years with the New England Patriots and becoming an all-time franchise legend, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and concluded his career by winning another championship there.
This raises the fundamental question: What truly motivates Sidney Crosby at this stage of his illustrious career?
Crosby`s response suggests evolving motivations: “As you play, if you still have the passion, I think you find different things that motivate you. This year is obviously an Olympic year, so you know, that`s a big motivation. But as far as just in general, I think the motivation is just to be my best. You know, whatever that is, you know, regardless of age and expectations, all that. I always just try to be my best, and that`s enough for me.”
Malkin expanded on this, suggesting Crosby is mentally driven “to show every year he can play 100%. And mentality, like, maybe one more cup, you know? We want to win together again. Because last cup, like, 10 years ago.”
In reality, it has only been eight years since the Penguins last won a Stanley Cup. Yet, for an athlete of Crosby`s immense caliber and competitive fire, such a span can indeed feel like an eternity.
Duncan Priestley 
Gareth Tenby