Crosby 'pretty optimistic' he'll sign extension before season
Rumors of Sidney Crosby potentially suiting up in another uniform should be put to rest in short order.
The Pittsburgh Penguins captain expressed confidence that an extension will be signed before the start of the season while speaking to reporters, including theScore's John Matisz, at the NHL/NHLPA player media tour in Las Vegas on Monday.
"I think I'm pretty optimistic it's going to get done," Crosby said, according to Matisz. "I don't know what day specifically, but it's been really positive. It hasn't been a difficult process at all."
Crosby is entering the final season of the 12-year, $104.4-million contract he signed in 2012 and could become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
It was reported in July that Crosby and the Penguins were closing in on an extension, but the deal has yet to be finalized.
Because he doesn't have a contract beyond the coming season, combined with the fact that Pittsburgh has missed the playoffs in back-to-back years, some speculated that Crosby might prefer to play for a contender instead of sticking with the only team he's ever suited up for. That clearly won't be the case with an extension in place, though.
The 37-year-old is aging like a fine wine despite his team's shortcomings the past two seasons, posting 93 points in 2022-23 and 94 points in 2023-24. Crosby finished in the top 10 in both Hart Trophy and Selke Trophy voting this past campaign.
Crosby added that he hopes to play at least a few more years.
"I feel really good. I'm excited about going to training camp as I was my first year. So, I think the passion and that sort of thing is all there," Crosby said. "As long as that's there, then you're willing to put in the work and do everything that it takes to be successful, and hopefully it can be at least a few more."
The 2005 No. 1 pick has won three Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythe Trophies, two Hart Trophies, and numerous other accolades during his 19 seasons in Pittsburgh. He's 128 points shy of passing Mario Lemieux for the most in franchise history.