Pittsburgh Penguins sign Sidney Crosby to $17.4M contract extension

Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Veteran center Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins agreed to a two-year, $17.4 million contract extension, the NHL franchise announced Monday.

"There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins organization," Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said in a news release.

"Sidney is the greatest player of his generation and one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

"His actions today show why he is one of hockey's greatest winners and leaders. Sid is making a tremendous personal sacrifice in an effort to help the Penguins win, both now and in the future, as he has done for his entire career."

Crosby is now under contract through the 2026-27 season. The 10-time All-Star joined the Penguins as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Draft. He won three Stanley Cup titles, three Ted Lindsay Awards, two Art Ross Trophies, two Conn Smythe Trophies, two Hart Memorial Trophies, two Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies and the Mark Messier Leadership Award over his first 19 seasons with the Penguins.

Crosby, 37, totaled 42 goals and 52 assists over 82 games last season. He logged 592 goals and 1,004 assists over his first 1,272 appearances for the Penguins.

Crosby is the franchise leader in games played, even-strength goals, even-strength points and game-winning goals. He trails only Mario Lemieux for the most goals, assists and points in Penguins history.

Crosby's 17 seasons as captain are the second-most for any player for the same franchise, trailing only the 19-year tenure of former Detroit Red Wings star Steve Yzerman .

"Sid's work ethic, focus, character, and mastery of his craft are the stuff of legends to those inside of hockey," Dubas said. "Yet, what makes Sid most special is that he actually surpasses that legend with his daily commitment to his craft and to helping the Penguins win."

The Penguins will battle the Buffalo Sabres in a preseason game at 7 p.m. EDT Saturday in Buffalo, N.Y.