During the NHL's Media Tour on Tuesday, Pittsburgh Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby discussed the state of current contract negotiations with Penguins' GM Kyle Dubas.
In case anyone was worried, Pittsburgh Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby wants to keep playing hockey for a long time, and he wants to keep playing for the Penguins.
But just how long is the difficult thing for even Crosby himself to predict.
During the NHL's Media Tour on Tuesday, Crosby spoke with the media and clarified ongoing contract talks between his agent, Pat Brisson, and Penguins' GM and POHO Kyle Dubas. He said that the sides are discussing a new contract, but the logistics as far as term are what is causing any kind of holdup.
"It's just a little bit more difficult at my age trying to project where you're going to be," Crosby told reporters at the event. "It's just different. You don't know where you're going to be at year to year, how you're going to feel, and things like that.
"I mean, I'd like to continue playing for a number of years, but I just don't know what that number is. I guess your mind and body tell you that eventually. Right now, I feel pretty good, though."
Crosby, 39, is entering the second year of a two-year deal he signed two summers ago. In 68 games during an injury-shortened 2025-26 season, he registered 29 goals and 74 points, and he also had a goal and five points in six playoff games - all indicative of the incredible longevity Crosby has displayed throughout the course of his 21-year NHL career.
Of course, extending Crosby is always a priority for Dubas and the Penguins, even if it was not the most pressing issue over the summer. An extension will get done eventually, it's just a matter of when.
And Dubas basically said as much during his season-ending press conference on May 12 when discussing extensions for both Crosby and Erik Karlsson, who is also entering the final year of his current contract.
“Sid is in a different category. I think most players start to get into their late 30s and it tends to become a year-to-year thing," Dubas said. "I don’t know if that’s how each of them will handle it. That’s just how most players handle it.
He added: "We’ll discuss that as we get through the summer and into the fall, for sure. In Karl’s case, obviously, players voted him Team MVP. We’re very happy with him. And Sid is Sid.”
Crosby currently makes $8.7 million, which is the same figure he's been making since 2012. The question of salary also came up during the media tour, and although he has stuck to his guns regarding that number, he also recognizes times have changed.
"It’s just evolved," Crosby said. "I try not to compare because now is different than then. The last few contracts with offer sheets changed things a lot. That’s just the reality of where things are at."
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