Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby agree on mammoth 12-year, $104.4 million extension -NHL Update
Sidney Crosby will remain the face of the Pittsburgh Penguins club for a long time to come as the two stakeholders agreed on a mammoth 12-year contract, giving him a total of $104.4 million on Thursday, June 28, 2012.
The 24-year-old All-Star forward still had one year remaining on his five-year, $43.5 million contract but in order to eliminate the possibilities of him moving on the upcoming season, Pittsburgh Penguins decided to lock him on.
Being a long term contract, Sidney Crosby will be compensated with $8.7 million over the next 12 years, ensuring that he focuses on playing and leading the Pittsburgh Penguins team instead of contract woes.
"I said it a few months ago that our goal was to sign Sidney Crosby to make him a member of the Penguins for life," Pittsburgh general manager, Ray Shero, said during a conference call. "I hope this is going to do that."
Pat Brisson, Sidney’s agent, was also of the view that Pittsburgh was the best team for him and obviously the superstar player wanted to remain in the Penguins squad for life.
"When we started the discussions Sidney wanted to be a Penguin forever," Brisson said. "When this contract starts he'll be 26. He's been there seven years and he understands the structure. He knows how committed this organization is and it made sense to
him to explore a long-term deal immediately."
Crosby is reported to be very emotionally attached with the Pittsburgh Penguins since he was drafted first overall back in 2005, which was a time when the club was struggling. Crosby helped the franchise in each and every way, eventually leading them to
a Stanley Cup and establishing Pittsburgh as one of the best in the league now.
Concussion related issues have been the only thing hindering his performance these past few seasons, but eventually, hoping to fully recover, the Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada native, is set to spend his veteran years in Pittsburgh as well.
Crosby’s top teammate, Evgeni Malkin, is also on contract for the next two seasons. Signing him up for a longer term next season will definitely be something Penguins are looking forward to.
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