Sidney Crosby Signs New Two-Year, $8.7 Million AAV Extension with Pittsburgh

Sidney Crosby has always been synonymous with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his recent two-year, $17.4 million extension with the team ($8.7 million AAV) further cements that legacy. While the $8.7 million per year contract seems like a simple number, there’s more significance to it than meets the eye. Crosby’s choice of AAV reflects his well-known superstition with the number 87, which is not only his jersey number but also the number he’s continually incorporated into his contracts throughout his career. Beyond the numerical nod to his identity, the contract also speaks volumes about Crosby’s unwavering loyalty to the Penguins and his desire to help the franchise remain competitive as his career reaches its twilight years.

A Superstitious Nod to 87

Crosby’s attachment to the number 87 is legendary. His birthdate, August 7, 1987 (8/7/87), is the origin of his affinity for the number. Since then, Crosby has consistently integrated “87” into his professional life. When he signed his first major contract extension in 2007, it was a five-year deal worth $43.5 million — $8.7 million annually. His subsequent 12-year, $104.4 million deal in 2012 maintained the $8.7 million AAV figure. Now, with this latest two-year extension at $8.7 million per season, Crosby continues to honor the number that has come to define him.

This superstition might seem quirky to some, but it’s a reminder that even elite athletes have their rituals and beliefs that fuel their drive and determination. For Crosby, the number 87 isn’t just symbolic; it’s been a key part of his identity since his teenage years, and continuing to integrate it into his contracts serves as a personal and professional reminder of his journey and his legacy.

Crosby’s Commitment to Winning

What’s perhaps most telling about this extension is not just the numerical homage, but what it reveals about Crosby’s character and his commitment to the Pittsburgh Penguins. While $8.7 million per season is certainly a substantial salary, it’s far less than what a player of Crosby’s caliber could command on the open market. At 37 years old, he remains one of the best two-way players in the game. His vision, playmaking ability, and leadership are unparalleled, and his importance to the Penguins is immeasurable. A player of his stature could easily have sought a higher salary, even at this stage of his career, but Crosby’s decision to take less speaks to his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of the team.

Crosby’s choice to sign for less than market value reflects his understanding of the Penguins situation. The team, while still competitive, has faced challenges in recent years, particularly in terms of depth. By accepting a more modest contract, Crosby is ensuring that the Penguins can allocate more cap space to other areas of the roster. This move allows Pittsburgh to invest in younger players, improve their supporting cast, and make necessary additions that will help them stay competitive in an ever-tougher Eastern Conference. It’s a savvy and selfless decision, one that puts the team’s needs above his own financial gain, which is further evidence of Crosby’s leadership both on and off the ice.

A Final Contract

As much as this deal is about superstition and sacrifice, it’s also likely the final contract of Sidney Crosby’s illustrious career. By the time the extension ends, Crosby will be 40 years old, and while his level of play has remained consistently high, the physical toll of nearly two decades in the NHL will inevitably catch up. Crosby has made it clear over the years that he has no interest in playing into his mid 40s. He wants to retire as a Penguin, and this two-year extension is likely the final chapter in a career that has spanned nearly two decades and transformed the franchise.

For the Penguins, the significance of Crosby’s likely final contract cannot be overstated. Crosby is not just the face of the franchise; he’s its heartbeat. He led the team to three Stanley Cup championships (2009, 2016, and 2017), won numerous individual awards, and has been the model of consistency throughout his career. His presence in the locker room and on the ice provides the Penguins with an intangible advantage that goes beyond goals and assists. Knowing that Crosby is likely finishing his career in Pittsburgh gives the organization and its fanbase a sense of closure, while also allowing them to rally around one final push for a championship with their beloved captain.

The Road Ahead

With Crosby locked in for the next three seasons (counting the final year of his current contract), the Penguins can now focus on building a roster capable of contending for the Stanley Cup. Pittsburgh’s front office has already shown a willingness to surround Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang with the right mix of veterans and youth, especially after the acquisition of Erik Karlsson last offseason. Crosby’s team-friendly deal gives them more flexibility to continue this process.

His commitment sends a strong message not only to his teammates but also to potential free agents or trade targets. Crosby’s willingness to take less for the sake of the team shows that winning remains his top priority. That level of dedication is infectious and makes Pittsburgh an attractive destination for players who want to be part of a championship culture.

Final Thoughts

In an era where loyalty in sports can sometimes be fleeting, Sidney Crosby’s career-long dedication to the Pittsburgh Penguins is truly special. From the moment he was drafted first overall in 2005, he has embraced the city, its fans, and the responsibility that comes with being the face of a franchise. This latest extension is more than just a contract, it’s a statement of intent. Crosby is in Pittsburgh to win, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make sure the Penguins are in the best possible position to compete.

As he prepares for what is likely the final few years of his career, Crosby’s focus will remain the same as it has always been. Also with a new two-year extension in place, he has ensured that his journey with the Penguins will continue, giving Pittsburgh fans more time to watch their captain do what he does best.

In the end, Sidney Crosby’s superstition with the number 87 is part of the charm, but his commitment to the Penguins and his selflessness as a player are what truly define his greatness. His legacy in Pittsburgh is secure, and with this extension, he’ll have the chance to write the final chapter of his career exactly where it started—in a Penguins uniform.