Career Timeline of Sidney Crosby: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Sidney Crosby, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Sidney Crosby is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL. Drafted first overall in 2005, he was nicknamed "Sid the Kid" and dubbed "The Next One" due to his exceptional talent. He is considered one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time.
8 hours ago : Crosby and Ovechkin's rivalry continues: A look at their memorable moments and respect.
Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin's 73rd career meeting highlights their enduring respect amidst broken records. The Penguins faced the Capitals, with Ovechkin in lineup. Their most memorable moments showcased a remarkable rivalry.
1992: Penguins last Stanley Cup Finals appearance
The Penguins reached the final round for the first time since 1992, to face the Detroit Red Wings.
2001: MJAHL Draft
In 2001, Sidney Crosby was drafted by the Truro Bearcats in the MJAHL Draft as a 13-year-old.
2001: Penguins Last Playoff Appearance
Prior to Crosby's arrival, the Penguins last made the playoffs in 2001.
2003: QMJHL Draft and Rookie Season
In 2003, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall in the Midget Draft by the Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL and had a remarkable rookie season, capturing the Jean Béliveau Trophy and other major awards.
2004: Alexander Ovechkin drafted
In 2004, Alexander Ovechkin was drafted as the first-overall pick by the Washington Capitals, marking the beginning of a rivalry with Sidney Crosby.
2004: Return to Océanic
In 2004, Sidney Crosby returned to the Océanic for the 2004–05 season and continued dominating the league.
2004: White Jersey Sold at Auction
In January 2005, after Sidney Crosby's red Canada jersey was stolen from the World Junior Hockey Championship, his white jersey from the tournament was temporarily delisted from an auction while the red one was missing. In 2004, It eventually sold for $22,100, which went to youth hockey charities and 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake relief.
2004: "Sidney Crosby Lottery"
In the 2004-05 season a labour lockout suspended the entire NHL season, positioning for the 2005 draft was conducted via a weighted lottery based on each team's playoff appearances and draft lottery victories in the last four years. This lottery system led to the draft being popularly referred to as the "Sidney Crosby Lottery" or the "Sidney Crosby Sweepstakes".
July 30, 2005: Drafted First Overall
On July 30, 2005, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall in the NHL draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking a significant milestone in his career.
September 2005: Top Selling Jersey
From September 2005 to February 2008, Sidney Crosby's number 87 Pittsburgh Penguins jersey was the top seller on the NHL's website.
October 5, 2005: NHL Debut
On October 5, 2005, Sidney Crosby made his NHL debut against the New Jersey Devils, registering an assist on Mark Recchi's goal in a 5–1 loss.
December 15, 2005: Michel Therrien replaces Ed Olczyk
On December 15, 2005, Michel Therrien replaced Ed Olczyk as head coach for the Penguins.
2005: Crosby's Rookie Debut
In 2005, Sidney Crosby debuted as a rookie and was widely regarded as the NHL's best player from that time.
2005: Memorial Cup Final Appearance and NHL Debut
In 2005, Sidney Crosby led his team, the Rimouski Océanic, to the Memorial Cup final. He also debuted in the NHL during the 2005–06 season, recording 102 points.
2005: Crosby Drafted First Overall
In 2005, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL entry draft, marking the start of his professional hockey career.
2005: Memorial Cup Appearance
In 2005, after winning the President's Cup, Sidney Crosby and the Océanic qualified for the Memorial Cup, where Crosby earned Tournament All-Star honors and the Ed Chynoweth Trophy.
2005: Increased Attendance
In 2005-06, Sidney Crosby's presence helped Pittsburgh's attendance increase by 33%.
October 28, 2006: First NHL Hat-Trick
On October 28, 2006, Sidney Crosby scored his first NHL hat-trick in an 8–2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
May 31, 2007: Named Team Captain
On May 31, 2007, Sidney Crosby was named the team captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins, becoming the youngest team captain in NHL history at 19 years, 9 months, and 24 days old.
June 2007: Wins Hart Memorial Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Award
In June 2007, Sidney Crosby won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Lester B. Pearson Award, in addition to the Art Ross Trophy, becoming the youngest player in NHL history to win the Lester B. Pearson.
July 10, 2007: Signs Contract Extension
On July 10, 2007, Sidney Crosby signed a five-year, $43.5 million contract extension with the Penguins, ensuring his stay with the team through the 2012-13 season.
2007: NHL All-Star Game Participation
In 2007, Crosby participated in the NHL All-Star Game, winning the shooting accuracy segment of the Skills Competition.
2007: Contract Signing
In 2007, Sidney Crosby signed a contract reflecting his birthdate, with $8.7 million per year.
2007: Team Captaincy
Sidney Crosby started the 2007–08 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins' captaincy.
2007: Jersey Auctioned for Hurricane Katrina Relief
Sidney Crosby's jersey from his third NHL game was the highest-selling NHL jersey in an auction for Hurricane Katrina relief in 2007, it sold for $21,010. During an online auction held by the NHL and the NHL Players Association to benefit Hockey Fights Cancer, Crosby's game-worn jersey from the first period of the 2007 All-Star Game earned the most money. Crosby's sold for $47,520, more than eight times the next highest price—$5,681 for the jersey worn by Brendan Shanahan of the New York Rangers.
February 2008: Top Selling Jersey
From September 2005 to February 2008, Sidney Crosby's number 87 Pittsburgh Penguins jersey was the top seller on the NHL's website.
March 27, 2008: Returns from Ankle Injury
On March 27, 2008, Sidney Crosby returned to the Penguins' lineup after recovering from an ankle injury, helping the team defeat the New York Islanders 3–1.
October 18, 2008: Reaches 300 Career Points
On October 18, 2008, Sidney Crosby recorded a goal and three assists against the Toronto Maple Leafs, surpassing 100 goals, 200 assists, and 300 points for his career.
2009: Wins First Stanley Cup
In 2009, Sidney Crosby won his first Stanley Cup title in seven games against the Detroit Red Wings, becoming the youngest NHL captain to win the Stanley Cup since 1895 at 21 years, 10 months, and 5 days old.
2009: Mark Messier Leadership Award and Maurice Richard Trophy
In 2009–10, Sidney Crosby received the Mark Messier Leadership Award and scored 51 goals, winning the Maurice Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal scorer.
2009: Sidney Crosby Foundation Created
Sidney Crosby created the Sidney Crosby Foundation in 2009, an organization committed to helping charities benefiting children.
May 29, 2010: Signed Endorsement Contract with Reebok
On May 29, 2010, Sidney Crosby signed the richest endorsement contract in NHL history with Reebok, expected to pay him $1.4 million per year for five to seven years.
November 5, 2010: 25-game point streak begins
On November 5, 2010, Sidney Crosby began a 25-game point streak against the Anaheim Ducks.
December 28, 2010: 25-game point streak ends
On December 28, 2010, Sidney Crosby's 25-game point streak ended against the New York Islanders.
2010: Olympic Gold Medal
At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the United States, securing the gold medal for Canada.
2010: Hart Memorial Trophy Finalist
In 2009-2010 Sidney Crosby was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy.
November 21, 2011: Return to play after concussion
On November 21, 2011, Sidney Crosby returned to play after missing the first 20 games of the season due to concussion effects, scoring two goals and two assists against the New York Islanders.
March 15, 2012: Return to action after concussion symptoms recurred
On March 15, 2012, Sidney Crosby returned to action after experiencing a recurrence of concussion-like symptoms, recording two assists in a game against the New York Rangers.
June 28, 2012: 12-year contract extension
On June 28, 2012, the Penguins announced that Sidney Crosby agreed to a 12-year, $104.4 million contract extension to stay in Pittsburgh.
2012: Contract Year
Sidney Crosby's contract extension signed in 2007 would continue through the 2012-13 season.
January 2013: Start of the 2012-13 Season
In January 2013, Sidney Crosby began the 2012-13 season strongly, scoring 31 points in the first 21 games.
2013: Conference Finals Appearance
In 2013, Crosby advanced to the Conference Finals.
November 26, 2014: 800th career point
On November 26, 2014, Sidney Crosby scored his 800th career point against the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming the sixth-fastest player in NHL history to reach that milestone.
2014: Hart Memorial Trophy and Art Ross Trophy
In 2014, Sidney Crosby won the Hart Memorial Trophy and his second career Art Ross Trophy (104 points).
2014: Second Olympic Gold Medal
Sidney Crosby captained Team Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics, winning his second consecutive Olympic gold medal.
April 1, 2015: 300th career goal
On April 1, 2015, Sidney Crosby scored his 300th career NHL goal against Steve Mason of the Philadelphia Flyers.
December 12, 2015: Johnston fired as coach
On December 12, 2015, Mike Johnston was fired as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins after posting a 15-10-3 record through 28 games. Crosby's performance was under scrutiny during this time, with some speculating he was past his prime.
2015: Signed Adidas Endorsement Contract
In 2015, Sidney Crosby signed a six-year endorsement contract with Adidas.
2015: Started Hockey School in Cole Harbour
In 2015, Sidney Crosby started a hockey school in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.
September 2016: Won Emmy Award
In September 2016, Sidney Crosby won an Emmy Award for his role in "There's No Place Like Home With Sidney Crosby." He also won for his participation in the "Merci Sidney" video.
September 2016: Wayne Gretzky Praises Crosby
In September 2016, Wayne Gretzky stated that Sidney Crosby had repeatedly proven that he is the best player in the game, especially in the most important games.
October 2016: Mario Lemieux Praises Crosby's Complete Game
In October 2016, Mario Lemieux praised Sidney Crosby's ability to play both sides of the puck, noting his improvement defensively.
2016: Penguins Clinch Playoff Berth
On April 2, 2016, Crosby recorded his 600th NHL assist as the Penguins clinched their berth in the 2016 playoffs.
2016: Stanley Cup Championship
Sidney Crosby led Pittsburgh to a Stanley Cup championship in 2016.
January 27, 2017: Named One of 100 Greatest NHL Players
On January 27, 2017, Sidney Crosby was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history during a ceremony at the All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
February 16, 2017: Crosby reaches 1,000 NHL points
On February 16, 2017, Crosby reached 1,000 NHL points with an assist on a Chris Kunitz goal against the Winnipeg Jets, achieving the milestone in his 757th game.
2017: Second Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy
In 2017, Sidney Crosby led Pittsburgh to another Stanley Cup championship and became the third player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in consecutive years.
2017: Crosby's Regular Season Games
In the 2017–18 season, Crosby appeared in all 82 of Pittsburgh's regular season games for the first time in his career.
February 11, 2018: Crosby scores 400th NHL goal
On February 11, 2018, Crosby scored his 400th NHL goal against Jake Allen of the St. Louis Blues, becoming the 95th player in NHL history to reach the milestone.
April 2018: Crosby's Work Ethic Highlighted
In an April 2018 article for The Washington Post, players, teammates, and coaches emphasized Sidney Crosby's work ethic and his dedication to greatness as key factors in his sustained success in the NHL.
December 31, 2018: Crosby plays 900th NHL game
On December 31, 2018, Crosby played his 900th NHL game in a 3–2 win over the Minnesota Wild, becoming the second player in Penguins history to reach the mark.
January 3, 2019: Crosby selected for NHL All-Star Game
On January 3, 2019, Crosby was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game for the eighth time in his career and won the All-Star MVP award.
March 2019: Mike Sullivan Praises Crosby
In March 2019, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan described Sidney Crosby as the "best 200-foot player in the game" and the "heartbeat" of the Penguins.
2019: Regular Season
During the 2019-20 season, the penguins finished fifth in the Eastern Conference.
January 2020: Crosby Selected to NHL All-Decade First Team
In January 2020, Crosby was selected to the NHL All-Decade First Team.
August 7, 2020: Penguins Eliminated from Playoffs
On August 7, 2020, Crosby's 33rd birthday, the Montreal Canadiens eliminated the Penguins from the playoffs in four games.
2020: Shortened Season
During the 2020-21 season, Crosby led the team in scoring with 62 points.
February 20, 2021: Crosby Plays 1,000th Game with Penguins
On February 20, 2021, Crosby became the first player in Penguins history to play 1,000 games with the franchise in a 3–2 win over the New York Islanders.
2021: Ted Lindsay Award Finalist
In 2021 Sidney Crosby was a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award.
February 15, 2022: Crosby scores 500th career goal
On February 15, 2022, Sidney Crosby achieved a significant career milestone by scoring his 500th career goal during a power play against the Philadelphia Flyers. This accomplishment made him the 46th player in NHL history to reach this mark, and the 18th to have scored all 500 goals for a single team. Crosby became the second player in Penguins history to score 500 goals, following Mario Lemieux.
November 5, 2022: Crosby records 900th career assist
On November 5, 2022, Sidney Crosby achieved another milestone by recording his 900th career assist on a goal by Jake Guentzel during a game against the Seattle Kraken. Despite the achievement, the Penguins lost the game 3-2. Crosby was the sixth-fastest player in NHL history to reach 900 assists.
2022: Called Dominant Winter Olympian
Four months before the 2022 Winter Olympics, Rob Rossi of The Athletic called Sidney Crosby "arguably North America's most dominant team-sport Winter Olympian."
November 4, 2023: Crosby plays in his 1,200th game
On November 4, 2023, Sidney Crosby participated in his 1,200th NHL game, marking a significant milestone in his career. During the game, which resulted in a 10-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks, Crosby contributed with an assist. Crosby reflected on his enduring love for the sport, emphasizing his dedication through both good and challenging times.
April 1, 2024: Crosby joins Gretzky in point-per-game average
On April 1, 2024, following a 5-2 win over the New York Rangers, Sidney Crosby became only the second player in NHL history to average a point per game for 19 consecutive seasons. He joined Wayne Gretzky in achieving this feat, highlighting his consistent high performance over nearly two decades.
September 16, 2024: Crosby signs two-year extension with Penguins
On September 16, 2024, Sidney Crosby committed to remain with the Pittsburgh Penguins by signing a two-year contract extension worth $17.4 million, which averages $8.7 million per year. This ensures Crosby will continue his career with the team.
2025: Inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off Win
In 2025, Sidney Crosby captained Canada to a championship win in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off.
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