Crosby Speaks; Got ‘Reassurances’ From Dubas, Why He Took Less

MARS, Pa — It wasn’t the usual press conference at the UPMC Lemieux Complex or PPG Paints Arena. Instead, Sidney Crosby held court in the backyard of fans who were lucky enough to have Crosby deliver their season tickets Monday.

Surrounded by media witnessing the event, including Pittsburgh Hockey Now, Crosby addressed his brand-new two-year contract, which will extend him through 2026-27, maintaining his $8.7 million average annual value.

The contract was yet another concession Crosby has made in his life for the Penguins organization for the sake of helping the organization maintain a winning team, or at least make an attempt. The 37-year-old has played his entire career with the Penguins and signed a 12-year deal 11 years ago with the expectation that he would retire following the expiration, but age has a way of changing perspectives.

Crosby doesn’t know how much longer he will play, but he’s far from hanging up his skates and putting away that flat stick blade used for whistling backhanders. Once again, he signed for well less than market value.

“I think just the years (on the contract was the cause of the delay). Just not knowing, trying to project how you’re going to feel in a number of years, it’s it’s hard,” Crosby said. “Just making sure (the term) is something that makes sense for both myself and the team and just trying to figure out what that looked like. It was a pretty smooth process. I’m glad it’s done, and I can focus on playing, and I’m really grateful that I can keep playing here for a number of years.”

Crosby could have signed a contract on July 1, but after that date passed, many thought he would sign on his birthday (Aug. 7), which also passed without a new contract. Speculation began to grow regarding the delay, but according to Crosby, it was twofold. He doesn’t know how much longer he will play and didn’t want to hamstring the team with dead money in the future, and it seems he needed the affirmation the Penguins would continue to be competitive.

While Crosby didn’t specifically say he needed that assurance, he did say it was part of his discussions with Penguins president of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas.

“I’ve had some conversations with Kyle throughout the process, and (it) was reassuring based on what we discussed, as far as there’s still a hunger from the organization and ownership to win and a commitment there,” said Crosby. “And that is something for the time that I’ve been here it has been the case. I think that’s really important.

“You want to try to find every way possible to get back in (to the playoffs) and make sure that we compete for the Stanley Cup. So I think that was reassuring to hear, and that helped.”

Last season, Crosby remained among the league leaders and posted historic offensive totals for a player over 36. He’s been the most recognizable hockey player on the planet for two decades and will retire–eventually–as one of the five or six greatest to ever play. He potted an impressive 42 goals and 94 points, playing all 82 games for the second consecutive season.

Exceptional performance, putting the team first even in contract negotiations, and delivering season tickets to fans on the day he signs the new contract are all part of Crosby’s legacy. The generous and forever humble human element is inexorably linked to the player whose drive has led to three Stanley Cups, three Ted Lindsay Awards, two Hart Trophies, and numerous other accolades. In contrast, contemporaries have been paid nearly double Crosby’s annual take, but the cash doesn’t seem to matter.

For the Penguins captain, it’s about winning, not the money.

“I think winning is the most important thing to me. And I think understanding the dynamic, how it works, and (it’s important) to give the team the best possible chance to be successful,” said Crosby. “Ultimately, you have to go out there, do your best, and do your job. I think I’m more focused on that than the number, I guess. That’s my approach, and that’s how I’ve always seen it.”

So, he took less again, believing the team could quickly retool and get back to contention.

It’s been a long offseason. The additions of players who had down seasons, including Cody Glass and Kevin Hayes, brought additional draft picks, while Dubas also acquired highly sought prospect Rutger McGroarty, who figures to play in the NHL this season.

The additions will join the core, which also includes Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin, with whom Crosby has played for 19 seasons and counting–the longest-continuous trio in North American sports history.

The whirlwind of unique activity of second chances and youth was the combination of Dubas acquiescing to the undeniable need to build for future eras while simultaneously surrounding Crosby and the Penguins’ core with competitive players who will allow them to compete for a playoff spot. Whether Dubas succeeded is an unsettled proposition likely to be debated until the team reaches its final determination.

It’s been enough to make Crosby believe.

“It’s just trust and belief, knowing the organization and knowing the group of guys we have. Being in so many different situations throughout my career, I think there’s always been expectation here. And I love that,” Crosby said. “I love the expectations, and I think it gets the best out of everybody and pushes us to be better. I think it’s an important element. So I think all those things combined make me think that way.”

They don’t make many like Crosby. Three more years. At least.