Penguins Reportedly ‘Closing In’ On Sidney Crosby Extension

Will the Pittsburgh Penguins lock down the face of their franchise for the remainder of his career?

Penguins center Sidney Crosby’s contract expires following the 2024-25 season but it appears that neither side is interested in a reality where the all-time great enters free agency. 

“The Pittsburgh Penguins and captain Sidney Crosby are closing in on a new contract, multiple team and league sources briefed on negotiations told The Athletic,” Rob Rossi wrote Monday. “The team and player are confident a deal will be agreed upon and formalized soon, the sources said.”

Despite a lack of playoff success in recent years, Crosby has been consistent in his commitment to Pittsburgh. Crosby has played all 1,272 games of his career for the Penguins and has been vocal regarding his desire to retire as a Penguin.

“During those discussions, the sources said, Crosby reaffirmed to (Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle) Dubas what he has repeatedly stated publicly – that he wants to finish his career with the Penguins, who selected him No. 1 in 2005,” Rossi continued. “The potential deal is being viewed by both sides as ‘a commitment to Pittsburgh,’ a team and league source said.”

The Penguins and Crosby last reached a contract agreement in July of 2012, penning a 12-year, $104 million deal, an apropos average annual value of $8.7 million.

Closing in on 1,600 career points with three Stanley Cups, two Hart Trophies, two Conn Smythes and a myriad of accolades far too long to list, Sid the Kid heads into his age-37 season with plans to sign what could be the final contract of his career, bringing speculation of Crosby’s departure from Pittsburgh to an end once and for all.

MORE NHL: Four Questions Penguins Face While Trying To Maximize Sidney Crosby Era