NHL: Nashville Predators at Pittsburgh Penguins - Source: Imagn — Analyst says Sidney Crosby could have earned $10M annually on open market (Source: Imagn)

Sidney Crosby could have commanded "10 and above" on the NHL open market, opines Stu Grimson

Modified Sep 17, 2024 04:52 GMT

Sidney Crosby has signed a new two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The deal is worth $17.4 million. Crosby chose the deal to stay with the team instead of seeking a higher salary.

In a video on X, NHL analyst Stu Grimson said Sidney Crosby could have earned over $10 million per year on the open market. Grimson added that a shorter deal was reasonable, given Crosby's age of 37.

Grimson explained that the two-year extension lets Crosby assess his performance and the team’s future. If he aims for another championship, the deal offers him flexibility.

Even at 37, Crosby has scored over 90 points in each of the last two seasons. Grimson believes Crosby's strong performance could have secured him a larger contract elsewhere.

"I think this man could have commanded bigger dollars if he goes to market, 10 and above. We're talking about a guy, yes, even deep into his 30s, produced 90-plus points over the last two seasons.

"This is just a really well-rounded game. It's a consistent contribution you get from him every night. You just know what you're getting. I think the market would have yielded 10 and above were he to go to market a year from now," Grimson said.

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Crosby will remain with the Penguins through the 2026-27 season. He was drafted first overall in 2005 and has won three Stanley Cups.

How Sidney Crosby's new contract fuels Penguins' future success

Kyle Dubas, the Penguins' president of hockey operations, praised Sidney Crosby for his extraordinary impact on hockey and the team. Dubas highlighted Crosby’s role as one of the game's top players and leaders. He noted Crosby's personal sacrifices to support the team.

"His actions today show why he is one of hockey’s greatest winners and leaders. Sid is making a tremendous personal sacrifice in an effort to help the Penguins win, both now and in the future, as he has done for his entire career,” Dubas said (via NHL.com).

Crosby’s dedication and leadership are key for guiding the Penguins now and in the future. Dubas mentioned that Crosby’s extension shows the team's need to build a strong roster around him.

“His dedication to the Penguins through 2027 ensures that our franchise will have its Captain as we go through this phase of our project.

"Sid’s commitment reiterates our urgency to build a team around him that can return our team to contention and provide our players with Sid’s leadership and example of what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin,” Dubas added.

Sidney Crosby’s extension is intended to ensure that the Penguins stay competitive and leverage his leadership.