Here’s Where Sidney Crosby Ranks On ESPN’s Top Athletes Since 2000 List

Sidney Crosby has been the best player in the NHL for the better part of the last two decades and deserves all the credit.

The Pittsburgh Penguins captain has led his team to three Stanley Cup championship victories since being drafted first overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Crosby has been underappreciated by the sports world when it comes to greats of this generation, but he’s receiving some much-deserved flowers as his career nears its end.

ESPN has put together a list of the top 100 professional athletes since 2000, revealing the top 25 on Thursday. Crosby was listed as No. 22 on the list, finishing as the top hockey player.

The 36-year-old finished behind the likes of Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Tom Brady, Serena Williams, and Michael Phelps, among others. Only three hockey players made the list overall, with Crosby’s longtime rival Alex Ovechkin placing at 54 and Connor McDavid coming in at 98.

Over the last two decades, Crosby has played 19 seasons. In those 19 seasons, he’s won the aforementioned three Stanley Cups while being a two-time Hart Trophy winner, two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner, and two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner. The Penguins’ star ranks 10th all-time in NHL history with 1,596 points — scoring 592 goals, which ranks 21st all-time, and 1,004 assists, ranking 14th all-time.

Crosby reportedly is closing in on a contract extension to end his career with Pittsburgh. He will enter his 20th season in the league when the 2024-25 NHL season arrives with the Penguins’ season opener on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

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