Crosby Plays Without New Contract for Penguins

The Pittsburgh captain is in his 22nd NHL season with no extension in place for the coming years.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Hockey

Crosby Plays Without New Contract for Penguins

Live Poll

Would you still want Sidney Crosby to finish his career in Pittsburgh?

Sidney Crosby is playing the 2026-27 season without a new contract in place, as the Pittsburgh Penguins hold a 5-8-2 record and sit 15th in the Eastern Conference. His most recent deal, a two-year extension worth $8.7 million per season, was signed September 16, 2024.

Why it matters

Crosby's contract status is tied to the Penguins' direction under general manager Kyle Dubas, hired in 2023, as the team struggles early in the season. Speculation about his future is expected to grow if he plays another year without a deal.

Crosby has produced 10 points in 15 games this season, a pace of roughly 89 points over 82 games, up from 74 points in 68 games last year. His current salary benchmark is $8.7 million per season, and the Penguins sit 5-8-2, 15th in the Eastern Conference.

The players

Sidney Crosby

Crosby is the Penguins' longtime captain and one of the most decorated players of his generation, known for multiple Stanley Cup championships and Olympic gold.

Kyle Dubas

Dubas is the Penguins' general manager, hired in 2023, who oversees roster and contract decisions for the franchise.

Evgeni Malkin

Malkin is a veteran Penguins center and pending unrestricted free agent whose future with the team is also unresolved.

The details

Crosby, 39, is in his 22nd NHL season and has not had his contract extended for the upcoming campaign. Speculation about his future has grown alongside the team's early struggles, and the Penguins are also dealing with pending unrestricted free agency for Evgeni Malkin.

- September 16, 2024: Crosby signed a two-year extension worth $8.7 million per season.
- 2023: The Penguins hired Kyle Dubas as general manager.
- 2026-27 season: Crosby is playing without a new contract.
- 2027-28 season: Crosby could play without a contract, intensifying speculation.

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Season Trajectory

Crosby's 2012 twelve-year deal, worth $8.7 million per season, set the template for his career-long Penguins tenure, and his current unsigned status marks a departure from that long-term commitment. The outcome will shape how the Penguins balance an aging core with a rebuilding roster in the Eastern Conference.

Fantasy managers should note Crosby's current pace of 10 points in 15 games when weighing his value over the rest of the season. Contract uncertainty could also affect roster moves and trade chatter around the Penguins if the team continues to struggle.

The takeaway

Crosby's unsigned status adds a layer of uncertainty to the Penguins' season that will likely shape roster and contract decisions as the year progresses. Readers following the team should watch how the front office handles his future.