Sidney Crosby is heading into the final year of his contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but there are signs that his NHL career will continue beyond the 2026-27 season. According to The Athletic’s Josh Yohe, the Penguins captain could sign a new contract before the season begins.Crosby has already said that retirement is not on his mind, and his strong 2025-26 season gave him another reason to continue playing. The 39-year-old captain, already with more than 20 years with the Penguins, is now entering another contract year. The biggest question is not whether Crosby wants to continue, but when he will sign his next deal and how long it will be.
When could Sidney Crosby sign his next Pittsburgh Penguins contract?
Crosby is entering the second and final year of the two-year, $17.4 million extension he signed in September 2024. He will have an $8.7 million cap hit for the 2026-27 season and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in July 2027.According to The Athletic’s Josh Yohe, Crosby could sign another extension between now and the middle of September. Yohe expects a one- or two-year deal, similar to the timeline of Crosby’s previous contract.“The smart money would be on Crosby signing a new deal sometime between now and the middle of September,” Yohe wrote. “How many years will it be? Likely one or two.”Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, has not yet discussed the contract with him. Brisson told Yohe that he was allowing Crosby to enjoy his summer, but the two are expected to discuss the deal before the summer ends.Crosby has also said he is willing to work with Pittsburgh on his salary and contract term. “If it makes sense to sign for a couple of years, then we’ll do that,” he said.
Did Sidney Crosby’s 2025-26 season change the Pittsburgh Penguins’ plans?
There was a time when Crosby’s current contract looked like it could be his last. That question became less pressing after the Penguins unexpectedly returned to the playoffs in 2025-26.Crosby remained a major reason for that turnaround. He scored 29 goals and recorded 74 points in 68 games despite dealing with knee injuries. It was his 21st straight season averaging at least a point per game.The Penguins’ return to the playoffs also gave Crosby another reason to stay and help lead the team’s younger players. After missing the playoffs for four straight seasons, Pittsburgh finally had a chance to compete again.
Does Sidney Crosby still plan to continue with the Pittsburgh Penguins?
Crosby was asked in May whether the 2026-27 season could be his last. His answer was simple: “Not at all.”Trade speculation had surrounded Crosby before his current contract was signed, but it has faded since the Penguins returned to the playoffs. Crosby has also made it clear that he is willing to give Pittsburgh flexibility with his contract.When the Penguins open their season against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sept. 30, Crosby will begin his 22nd season with the franchise. There is now a real chance he will do it with a new contract already in place.