NHL: Nashville Predators at Pittsburgh Penguins - Source: Imagn — NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reacts to Sidney Crosby signing two-year extension (Image credit: Imagn)

"I was shocked" - Elliotte Friedman expresses surprise over Sidney Crosby's new contract with Penguins

Modified Sep 20, 2024 17:50 GMT

NHL legend Sidney Crosby signed a two-year extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins this week, just days before the start of the 2024-25 NHL preseason.

While there was little doubt that the two sides would come to an agreement, the fact that Crosby once again signed an $8.7 million deal left some fans shocked.

Crosby, who is notoriously superstitious, has been on a 12-year deal that has paid him $8.7 million, a figure that matches his 87 jersey number, for the past 11 seasons. Given that the two-year extension is expected to carry him through to retirement, many expected him to sign a more lucrative deal.

Instead, Crosby signed a hometown discount, agreeing to a deal that pays him far less than a future Hall of Famer would expect. On the latest episode of 32 Thoughts with Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas, Friedman discussed the situation:

"I was shocked, because I really thought that he was going to, I really thought the number was going to be around, like, 10.875 like, I really did.

"Like, I said it was a personal guess, and I wouldn't be surprised if we find out somewhere down the road that the Penguins had more money on the table, that their actual offer to Sid was higher than this, and as a matter of fact, I would be shocked if it wasn't higher."

Crosby's two-year extension will kick in after the 2024-25 season, and run through the 2026-27 season, at which time Crosby will become an unrestricted free agent.

Sidney Crosby still has his sights set on winning another Stanley Cup before retirement

Throughout his illustrious NHL career, Sidney Crosby has filled his resume with a slew of accolades, awards and accomplishments. The 10-time All-Star, two-time Hart Memorial Trophy, two-time Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy, and three-time Stanley Cup winner has done it all in his career.

At the same time, despite capturing three Stanley Cup titles in his career, Crosby has his sights firmly set on a return to the postseason. Since winning back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2016 and 2017, the Penguins have struggled to return to the summit clash.

To make matters worse, over the past two seasons, the Penguins have missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, after two first-round exits in 2021 and 2022. While Sidney Crosby is in the twilight years of his career, he still has his sights set on competing for another title.

During his media availability on Sept. 16, Crosby spoke about his goals, and the Penguins' roster heading into the 2024-25 season, making it clear that he wants to compete at the highest level:

"I think that was reassuring, ... There's still hunger from the organization and ownership to win and a commitment there. Missing the playoffs for a couple of years, not being in it, is difficult. You want to try to find every way possible to get back in there and make sure that we compete for the Stanley Cup.

"So, I think that was reassuring to hear, and that helped. ... This year is probably the most competitive (roster) that I've seen. Mentally, I feel good, I still love the game and want to compete."

Sidney Crosby and the Penguins will begin their 2024-25 campaign on Saturday when they face off with the Buffalo Sabres. Then, after seven preseason games, the team will begin the regular season on Oct. 9 when they face off with the New York Rangers.