With training camp fast approaching, talking about Sidney Crosby’s outlook with the Pittsburgh Penguins is heating up. NHL reporter Josh Yohe recently hinted that the Penguins’ captain is feeling some frustration with the team’s current state.
Sidney Crosby’s Frustration Grows as Penguins Face Uncertain Future
According to Yohe, Crosby would rather be pushing for a playoff run right now than easing into a gradual rebuild.
“I think he’s frustrated and wants the Penguins to be good right now instead of a few years from now,” Yohe wrote. “This doesn’t mean he’s against Kyle Dubas or anything like that. I just think he hates to lose, and this isn’t a fun time for him.”
There’s no sign of friction with team president Kyle Dubas, but anyone who has followed Crosby’s career knows how fiercely he hates losing, and the past few up-and-down seasons have tested that drive.
At 38, preparing for his 21st season, Crosby is still producing at an elite level. The issue isn’t his play; it’s whether the roster around him can keep pace.
Pittsburgh has been lacking in contention lately, and uncertainty seems to hang over the locker room. Yohe notes that Crosby isn’t deeply involved in management decisions, though his opinion would carry enormous weight if he ever wanted to step into that role.
“He has the power to flex his muscles if he wants when it comes to front-office decisions, but he doesn’t. Mario and Jagr did. He’s just not wired that way,” he noted.
Crosby’s Standing in NHL History
When asked to place Crosby among hockey’s all-time greats, Yohe didn’t hesitate. For him, only Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, and Bobby Orr sit ahead. That puts Crosby at No. 4, just in front of names like Gordie Howe, Jaromir Jagr, and Alex Ovechkin.
Where he lands in those debates will always be subjective, but few catch Crosby’s mix of skill, leadership, and hardware.
Longevity and consistency have been Crosby’s trademarks. Even last season, he racked up 91 points over 80 games, which would be impressive for someone in their prime, let alone nearing 40.
Better sports science, more innovative training, and disciplined nutrition have allowed stars like Crosby, Tom Brady, and Roger Federer to extend their peak years far longer than past generations could.
For now, Crosby’s attention is fixed on the present. His name is already etched among the sport’s greats, but the captain isn’t done chasing wins or chasing one more chance to bring the Stanley Cup back to Pittsburgh.