Penguins' Sidney Crosby plans to play for three more seasons

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby isn't planning to hang up his skates for good anytime soon. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby plans to play for three more seasons

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 5/17/22

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby told reporters Tuesday he plans to play three more seasons in the NHL, if not more.

"Three for sure," Crosby said, "and then we’ll see after that."

Crosby on how much longer he's planning to play in the NHL: "Three, for sure - and then we'll see after that. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. Three, definitely. I'm glad Geno said three and Tanger said 5+ probably [smiles]. Not surprised at either of those answers."
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 17, 2022

Crosby, 34, registered 31 goals and 53 assists in 69 regular-season games in 2021-22, his 17th season since the Penguins drafted him first overall in 2005.

Questions regarding how much longer Crosby will play have little to do with his playing ability and more to do with his health. He was sidelined for various ailments during the regular season, then exited Game 5 of Pittsburgh's first-round playoff series with the New York Rangers following a high hit from defenseman Jacob Trouba. Given Crosby has sustained multiple head injuries over his career, it's fair to question how many more hits he can sustain.

As Crosby mentioned, part of his want to keep playing has to do with teammates Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang continuing to play and wanting to stay in Pittsburgh. The trio has played together since the 2006-07 season. Malkin is set to become a free agent this summer.

Crosby on Letang and Malkin: "I think we all feel the same way. We've been fortunate enough to play together for a long time. There's a lot of belief and trust in one another... We understand that it's not something that can happen forever, but hopefully a little bit longer."
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 17, 2022