Insider Predicts Sidney Crosby's Future & Next Contract

It was an unexpected frantic final month push to try to salvage a playoff spot, but ultimately the Pittsburgh Penguins fell short. Now the team is facing a slew of questions, not the least of which is what happens with living legend Sidney Crosby?

All signs point to both sides wanting to stay together, and entering into the final season of his monster 12-year contract, there are some indications from Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Gazette that a short, "team-friendly" extension is in the offing. 

The safe bet is Crosby will sign a team-friendly deal that locks him for at least two more seasons. From there, there is the possibility that he goes the Patrice Bergeron route, signing a series of one-year contracts until he’s ready to call it a career.

Crosby has made it clear that he wants to finish his career in Pittsburgh, and at the age of 36, he proved that he's still at the top of his game. 

#OTD 18 years ago Sidney Crosby became the youngest @NHL player to score 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ points in a season. 🏒

Crosby has since gone on to have 1️⃣8️⃣ consecutive point-per-game seasons tying Gretzky for most all time by an NHL player! pic.twitter.com/tfm0QDbxUa

— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) April 17, 2024

In addition to producing his 18th consecutive point-per-game season (tying Wayne Gretzky for that illustrious record), he also recorded his third 40-goal season, finishing with 42 markers and 50 assists for 92 points in 81 games along with a +8 rating. 

Insider Lyle Richardson predicts that an extension could be in the $10 million AAV range, which would be a raise from his current $8.7 million cap hit. 

The Penguins have plenty of question marks this offseason, but Sid the Kid shouldn't be one of them.

Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports