The Penguins have extended Sidney Crosby’s contract by two years for $17.4 million.
Crosby’s new contract has a cap hit of $8.7 million, mostly paid through signing bonuses. He’ll get a $9 million bonus in 2025-26 and a $6.53 million bonus in 2026-27, with smaller base salaries each year. This deal includes a full no-move clause, clearing up any doubts about his future with the team just before training camp starts.
A few weeks ago, reports said Crosby was still considering multiple offers from the Penguins but hadn’t signed anything yet because he wasn’t sure about missing the playoffs while still playing at a top level . He told Friedman last week that he was “pretty optimistic” an extension would be done before training camp.
Contract Details and Future Implications:
This two-year deal isn’t surprising; it gives the Penguins more salary-cap flexibility if Crosby’s performance declines due to age. It also allows him to leave Pittsburgh in 2027 if the team’s record doesn’t improve significantly by then.
Entering his 20th season, Crosby remains crucial to Pittsburgh hockey. Last season, he led the team in goals (42), assists (52), points (94), and shots on goal (278). General manager Kyle Dubas praised him: “Sidney is the greatest player of his generation… His actions today show why he is one of hockey’s greatest winners and leaders.”
Without this extension, Crosby could have become an unrestricted free agent next summer for the first time. He’s finishing up a 12-year, $104.4M deal with an $8.7M cap hit signed back in 2012. Fans might think it’s amazing how much money he’s left on the table—about $43M according to estimates—by taking deals below market value to help his team.
Assuming a salary cap of $92M for 2025-26, Pittsburgh has around $23.3M in projected cap space next season with seven open roster spots left to fill, including notable pending RFA Cody Glass and UFA Marcus Pettersson.
Crosby ranks high in NHL history: 21st in goals (592), 14th in assists (1,004), 10th in points (1,596), and eighth in points per game (1.25) among players with at least 500 games played—a testament to his enduring skill despite concussions affecting his prime years.
The Penguins missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons for the first time since Crosby’s rookie year in 2006; both sides hope this new deal helps them bounce back.
What do you think about Sidney’s new deal?
