Sidney Crosby is already arguably the most recognizable sports figure in the city of Pittsburgh. After July 1st, he’ll probably continue to be for much of his adult life.
The Penguins announced today that they agreed to terms with Crosby on a 12-year contract extension worth…wait for it…$104.4 million.
The 24-year-old Crosby can’t sign a new deal until the free agency period opens on Sunday because he already is under contract for the 2012-13 season. However, once free agency opens and Sid the Kid puts the pen to the paper, he’ll all but be guaranteeing that he will remain a Penguin for life, which, as you could imagine, the Pens are quite giddy about.
“This is a great day for hockey and tremendous news for the Pittsburgh Penguins and our fans,” Penguins co-owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle said in a joint statement. “We are grateful for all that Sidney Crosby has done for our franchise since coming to Pittsburgh in 2005, both on and off the ice, and we look forward to having him in a Penguins uniform for the rest of his career. He is an excellent player and an even better person, and he is a great ambassador for the Penguins and for Pittsburgh.”
Not only is Crosby an excellent player, but for all intents and purposes, he is the best player—when healthy. This new deal undoubtedly has every fan in Pittsburgh grinning from ear to ear. Still, despite the fact that No. 87 has 223 goals and 386 assists for 609 points in 434 career games, you can’t overlook the fact that Crosby has played in only 23 regular-season games since the 2011 Winter Classic in Pittsburgh.
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