Sidney Crosby's contract situation prompts harsh truth from NHL insider Chris Johnston

By Cole Shelton

Modified Jul 09, 2024 17:13 GMT

Sidney Crosby is entering the final year of his deal, but all signs point to him signing an extension soon. Per reports, he will sign a 30 million contract with the Penguins.

Crosby is completing the final year of his 12-year, $104.4 million contract, making $8.7 million per season. Although he is one of the best players in the sport, he is underpaid, per NHL insider Chris Johnston.

"It's kind of crazy that Crosby is going to retire and never have been the highest-paid player in any given season in the league. That's kind of nuts when you think about it, given that he's either Mount Rushmore or Mount Rushmore Lite on anyone's all-time NHL players list," Johnston said on The Chris Johnston show.

However, Crosby always took less money so that Pittsburgh could have a better roster and compete for a Stanley Cup. But in what could likely be his final deal, Crosby could ask for more to become the highest-paid player in the NHL.

Pittsburgh GM wants Sidney Crosby to retire as a Penguin

After the Pittsburgh Penguins failed to make the playoffs, general manager Kyle Dubas was asked about Sidney Crosby.

“I think he should finish his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins,” Dubas said in April, via TSN. "How long that is? I’m not going to put any limits on Sidney Crosby. He’s capable of great things and is still performing at an extraordinarily high level.”

Crosby, who has only played for the Penguins, believes he can still compete at a high level for a few more years. It will be something special if he retires playing for one team only.

“Obviously, at my age, and things like that, there will be a lot of factors," Crosby said, via TSN. "But as far as my game, I don’t look any differently at how much longer I can play based off that. It’s always just evaluating my game for what it is, not my age.”

Crosby recorded 42 goals and 52 assists for 94 points in 82 games.