Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby Is Sharp as Ever as He Enters His 21st NHL Season

It’s hard to believe that Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is about to enter his 21st NHL season.

When he came into the league in 2005, he was truly “Sid The Kid.” Crosby was an 18-year-old boy from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, straight from Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL. Yet, there were already massive expectations on his shoulders, even before he was drafted first overall by the Penguins in 2005.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) smiles on the ice against the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesCharles LeClaire-Imagn Images

At age 14, he was already being touted as “The Next One” to follow in the line of hockey royals Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. No one could possibly live up to comparisons to the two greatest centers in NHL history – yet Crosby has carved out his own legacy.

Provided that he doesn’t get injured, Crosby (1,687) will soon pass Lemieux (1,723) for eighth place on the all-time NHL career points list. His 21st season in the league will be one more than Gretzky suited up for. Yet, Lemieux’s career was interrupted by back troubles, chronic fatigue and cancer treatments. Gretzky could’ve played beyond 38, but “The Great One” opted to retire due to a herniated disc and a feeling that he could no longer remain at the top of his game.

Lemieux twice saved the Penguins from moving away from “The Steel City” – once as a player and again as an owner. When Crosby was a rookie, Lemieux was briefly his teammate and No. 87 spent his first five seasons sleeping on Lemieux’s couch.

Crosby has benefitted from modern advances in injury prevention, better nutrition, more advanced training and rule changes that have increased player safety. It’s a different era compared to when Lemieux was getting clutched, grabbed, hacked and smoked a pack of cigarettes a day.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) hugs Mario Lemieux after defeating the San Jose Sharks in game six of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via USA TODAY SportsBruce Bennett/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

It’s difficult to compare present-day players to those of decades past. Of the post-2005 lockout era, Crosby stands alone as the best player of his generation. Yes, that includes Washington Capitals goal machine Alex Ovechkin. As amazing as Ovechkin is, he’s never been a consistently good defensive player.

Crosby will be remembered as a more complete player than Lemieux and Gretzky due to his defensive awareness. No one is claiming that Crosby is better than “Super Mario” or No. 99. What he possesses is a remarkable level of consistency at covering 200 feet of ice.

When you watch Crosby, it’s apparent that his play with and without the puck is unlike anyone else. He’s as good at disrupting and shutting down opponents as he is at sending a needle-threaded assist.

Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) moves the puck ahead of Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34).© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

At 38, he’s not slowing down on either end of the rink. Crosby’s silky hands, his awareness in all areas, his panache for dazzling puckhandling, his dominance in the face-off circle, his ceaseless work ethic – none of these traits have curtailed at the hands of time.

He’s not “The Great One,” nor is he “Le Magnifique.” Again, Crosby is his own unique talent and he’s a one-of-one. For 20 years and counting, No. 87 has been “The Complete One.”

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby Is Sharp as Ever as He Enters His 21st NHL Season

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