As announced by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager (GM) Kyle Dubas, the Pittsburgh Penguins have officially re-signed captain Sidney Crosby to a two-year contract extension. This new deal, which runs through the 2026-27 season, carries an average annual value of $8.7 million.
Dubas praised Crosby’s impact on the game, Pittsburgh, and the Penguins organization, stating, “There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh, and the Penguins organization. Sidney is the greatest player of his generation and one of the greatest players in the game’s history. His actions today show why he is one of hockey’s greatest winners and leaders.”
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Dubas also highlighted Crosby’s dedication, noting, “Sid’s work ethic, focus, character, and mastery of his craft are the stuff of legends. His commitment to the Penguins through 2027 ensures that our franchise will have its Captain as we go through this phase of our project.”
At 37 years old, Crosby enters his franchise-record 20th season with the Penguins and his 18th as team captain. His career accolades include three Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythe Trophies, and many individual awards, underscoring his extraordinary contributions on and off the ice. His new contract reflects his enduring influence and gives the Penguins flexibility to build a competitive team around him, reaffirming his role as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Analyzing Crosby’s New Contract & Dubas Negotiating Skills
Rob Rossi of The Athletic recently joined Ailish Forfar and Jesse Rubinoff on The Fan Pregame to discuss Crosby’s two-year extension. In the video below, Rossi explained why this new deal is an “incredible favor” for the organization and what it means for the team’s future.
Rossi noted that Crosby’s decision to sign a two-year extension rather than a longer contract demonstrates his commitment to the Penguins while providing them with flexibility. At 37 years old, Crosby is approaching the latter part of his career, and this extension gives the team and second-year GM Dubas a clear timeline to build a competitive roster around him.
Financial & Team Implications for the Penguins
According to Rossi, Crosby’s contract structure benefits the Penguins significantly. By agreeing to an $8.7 million cap hit, which is the same salary he’s had since 2008-09, Crosby allows the team to manage its salary cap more effectively. This is in contrast to what could have been a much higher average annual value if Crosby had pushed for a larger sum. Rossi highlighted that this deal is not only financially favorable but also shows Crosby’s willingness to leave money on the table for team success.
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Rossi pointed out that Crosby’s decision also impacts team dynamics. With his best friend Evgeni Malkin likely retiring after next season, Crosby’s choice to extend for just two years rather than five or six years allows the Penguins to adapt to potential roster changes without being handcuffed by a long-term contract. This move aligns with Crosby’s selfless attitude toward winning and understanding the team’s evolving needs.
Dubas’s Negotiating Leverage and Crosby’s Hometown Discount
Rossi discussed how this extension reflects Dubas’s negotiating skills well. Unlike his tenure in Toronto, where Dubas faced criticism for handling contract negotiations, Rossi argued that, in this case, Dubas was negotiating from a position of strength. Crosby’s willingness to work with the Penguins rather than against them allowed Dubas to secure a deal that benefits both the player and the team.
Rossi praised Crosby for his ongoing commitment to team success, noting that he has consistently taken a “hometown discount” throughout his career. This approach has allowed the Penguins to build competitive teams around him. Rossi also mentioned that Crosby’s substantial off-ice earnings from endorsements provide him the financial flexibility to make such concessions, further underscoring his dedication to the team’s success over personal gain.
The Bottom Line for Crosby and His Penguins
In summary, Rossi’s comments highlight that Crosby’s recent contract extension is not just a personal choice but a strategic move that benefits the Penguins in multiple ways. It reflects Crosby’s loyalty, Dubas’s negotiating acumen, and the Penguins’ potential to build a strong team for the near future.
