Speaking from an empty locker room at the Pittsburgh Penguins` practice facility during an interview about his long-standing teammate Sidney Crosby, 39-year-old Russian center Evgeni Malkin emphasized a crucial point. Gesturing towards the Penguins` security detail, subtly positioned in the doorway, Malkin remarked, “You see the security here? It`s not for me; it`s for Sidney Crosby.”
While Malkin`s own impressive career includes a Calder Trophy, Hart Trophy, two scoring titles, and three Stanley Cups that reignited the Penguins` glory over nine years, he doesn`t command the same level of personal security. However, Crosby`s unparalleled star power is unmatched, not just within the Penguins organization but arguably across the entire hockey universe. His reputation, alongside his extensive on-ice achievements, remains flawless. Kris Letang, another pillar of Pittsburgh`s “big three,” affirmed, “You never hear a single negative comment about Sidney Crosby. He`s perfect, truly the ideal ambassador for hockey.”
Consequently, as Crosby prepares for his 21st NHL season, much discussion revolves around his future. Questions arise whether one of hockey`s most exceptional talents is prolonging his stay in Pittsburgh, potentially hindering his final years by clinging to past glories.
Crosby`s consistent high-level performance is remarkable; with 1,687 points in 1,352 career games and still counting, few players maintain such consistency and competitiveness late in their careers. Demonstrating his strong two-way play last season, he tallied 91 points (33 goals, 58 assists) in 80 games, outpacing the next Penguins player by 21 points. His peers recognized this enduring excellence, voting him the `most complete player` for the sixth consecutive season in an April NHLPA poll.
Even Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, a decade Crosby`s junior at 28 and arguably in his prime, defers to him. McDavid strongly supported Crosby`s captaincy for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, deeming it an obvious choice. McDavid observed last fall, “He appears unchanged. He`s been consistently excellent year after year. Witnessing someone I admired as a child still performing at this level today is truly impressive.”
Crosby continues to feature prominently in significant international competitions, with NHL players expected to return to the Olympics this February, where he is anticipated to once again captain Team Canada.
In contrast, the Penguins` outlook is less optimistic. Their impressive 16-year streak of Stanley Cup playoff appearances concluded in 2023, and they have yet to return. General Manager Kyle Dubas initiated a significant rebuild, replenishing a severely depleted prospect pool, which had been sacrificed through numerous draft pick and young player trades in pursuit of past championships. This season`s opening night roster will feature five rookies under the guidance of first-time head coach Dan Muse, who is only five years Crosby`s senior, indicating a clear focus on future development.
Coach Muse articulated their objective: “We are undergoing a transitional phase, with the aim and expectation to not just become contenders again, but to consistently compete at the highest level. The goal isn`t merely to reach the playoffs, but to become a genuine, sustained contender. This message has been unequivocally clear to me since my first day and remains consistent.”
The timeline for this ambitious plan remains uncertain, even for the Penguins organization, as its success hinges on various factors, including player development.
Crosby`s strong showing at the 4 Nations tournament, where he matched McDavid with five points in four games en route to Canada`s victory, underscored the excitement of seeing him continue to excel on hockey`s elite international platforms.
The Loyalty vs. Ambition Dilemma
Concerns exist among some close to 38-year-old Crosby that remaining with a team undergoing an indefinite rebuild is a disservice to his career and the sport. His long-time agent, Pat Brisson, has publicly stated his personal conviction that Crosby should be competing in playoff hockey.
However, Crosby himself remains singularly focused. While this might seem like a platitude from others, for Crosby, whose drive stems from meticulous detail and an unwavering routine, it`s genuine. He asserts his seasonal mindset is consistently geared towards playing deep into June. He also insists he has not seriously contemplated a trade thus far. Crosby explained, “I understand that if my full energy isn`t directed where it needs to be, I`m not maximizing my chances for success. Should that point ever arrive, I would certainly discuss it, but I don`t believe I`m there yet.”
His two-year contract extension, signed in summer 2024, commences this season and is notably team-friendly at an $8.7 million average annual value, potentially half his market worth. This highly tradable contract is entirely under Crosby`s control due to his full no-movement clause. Hockey insiders suggest the Penguins would never ask him to waive it, out of respect. Any potential trade would thus be initiated by Crosby, who would dictate the timing and destination. The Penguins would then seek fair compensation, and such a move would likely unfold discreetly.
Alternatively, a trade might not occur. Crosby`s future remains solely his decision. He possesses an intense desire to win again, specifically with Pittsburgh. Throughout his career, he has exhibited unwavering loyalty to the city and his teammates, particularly Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, forming the longest-tenured trio in major North American sports history.
Malkin affectionately stated, “He`s a truly special individual to me, likely my closest friend here in Pittsburgh. He was the first person I encountered when I arrived, having dinner with Mario [Lemieux] and Sid. Since then, we`ve always been close. He texts me throughout the summer and during the season; we constantly support each other. It`s not always smooth sailing, of course. Sometimes we need to truly understand one another, especially when facing challenges with games or family. And he consistently tells me, `If you need anything, come to my house.`”
With Malkin entering the final year of his contract, trade rumors are also expected to intensify around him. At the start of training camp, Malkin expressed a desire for this not to be his last season in Pittsburgh but conceded his future would depend on both his and the team`s performance. Last season, Malkin recorded 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games. Meanwhile, Letang`s contract extends through 2028.
Bryan Rust, Crosby`s top-line winger, is another player to monitor this season. Signed for three more seasons, the 33-year-old is content in Pittsburgh and wishes to remain. However, lacking trade protection, Rust could be moved if the Penguins receive an attractive offer – one that could significantly hasten their rebuilding efforts – similar to Jake Guentzel`s trade two years prior.
Crosby`s deep connection to Pittsburgh extends beyond on-ice friendships; it encompasses significant relationships within the broader community. Letang recounted, “We participate in a team visit to the children`s hospital annually, which is heavily publicized. But Sidney also visits patients at other hospitals entirely out of the public eye. I can attest to this because he invited me along one year to observe his quiet charitable work.”
Since Crosby`s arrival, youth hockey in Pittsburgh has experienced explosive growth. His `Little Penguins Learn to Play` program, initiated in 2008, has introduced thousands of children to the sport. Crosby reflected on his beginnings: “I vividly recall my first day, arriving at the airport, descending the escalators, and finding it completely packed. That kind of welcome, followed by countless amazing first impressions from arriving at the rink to living with Mario, and then so many great memories since. I`ve been here a long time, and I couldn`t be more thankful that it unfolded this way, and that I was drafted by Pittsburgh.”
Sources close to Crosby indicate that the honor of playing for a single franchise is a significant consideration for him. Anze Kopitar, former captain of the Los Angeles Kings, emphasized his pride in dedicating his entire career to one city upon announcing his retirement this season.
A contrasting example is Tom Brady, who, despite being an undisputed New England Patriots legend, moved to the Buccaneers after 20 years and secured another championship to cap his career. This raises the fundamental question: What truly motivates Sidney Crosby at this stage of his career?
Crosby elaborated, “As you continue to play, if the passion persists, new sources of motivation emerge. This season, being an Olympic year, is a strong motivator. More broadly, however, my primary motivation is simply to perform at my absolute best, regardless of age or external expectations. Striving for my personal best is sufficient for me.”
Malkin offered a deeper insight. Malkin suggested, “Mentally, I believe he aims to prove every year that he can play at 100%. And there`s also the mentality of perhaps one more Cup, you know? We want to win together again. Because our last Cup feels like ten years ago.”
While it has actually only been eight years since the Penguins` last championship, for an athlete of Crosby`s caliber, such a span can indeed feel like an eternity.
