When a similar contract situation unfolded for Crosby two years ago, he signed a two-year deal on Sept. 16, 2024, immediately before training camp began. We could be looking at a similar timeline this time.
When I recently spoke with Crosby’s agent, Pat Brisson, he said he hadn’t discussed the contract with Crosby yet, indicating he was letting his most famous client enjoy his summer before getting back to business. Brisson said there’s an understanding that they’ll discuss the contract before summer is over. The Penguins’ first preseason game is Sept. 21.
When I spoke with Crosby in May at the IIHF World Championships in Switzerland, he scoffed at the idea that retirement could be imminent.
“Not at all,” he responded when I asked if there was a possibility the 2026-27 season could be his last.
The smart money would be on Crosby signing a new deal sometime between now and the middle of September. That’s how it went before; that’s the timeline Crosby is comfortable with, and a new contract seems inevitable.
How many years will it be? Likely one or two.
“If it makes sense to sign for a couple of years, then we’ll do that,” Crosby said.