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, nicknamed "Sid the Kid," is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Drafted first overall in 2005, he was highly touted as "The Next One" and is now considered one of hockey's all-time greats. Raised in Halifax, his exceptional talent and leadership have defined his successful NHL career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1992: Playoff Appearance

The 2008 season was the first time since 1992 that the team reached the final round.

2001: Drafted by Truro Bearcats

In 2001, Sidney Crosby was drafted by the Truro Bearcats of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League (MJAHL) as a 13-year-old.

2001: Playoff Appearance

In the 2001 NHL season, the Penguins made their first playoff appearance since 2001.

2002: Second-Place Finish at Air Canada Cup

In 2002, Sidney Crosby led the Dartmouth Subways to a second-place finish at the Air Canada Cup and earned MVP and Top Scorer awards at the national tournament, finishing with 24 points in 7 games.

December 2003: Crosby named to Canada's World Junior Championship team

In December 2003, Sidney Crosby was named to Canada's World Junior Championship team, becoming the fifth 16-year-old to represent Canada at the tournament.

2003: Drafted by Rimouski Océanic

In 2003, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall in the Midget Draft by the Rimouski Océanic of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).

July 17, 2004: Selected First Overall in WHA Entry Draft

On July 17, 2004, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall by Toronto in the World Hockey Association (WHA) entry draft.

2004: Crosby's jersey auctioned for earthquake relief

In January 2005, an Air Canada baggage handler in Montreal stole Sidney Crosby's red Canada jersey from the World Junior Hockey Championship. His white jersey from the tournament was eventually sold for $22,100, which went to youth hockey charities and 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake relief.

2004: Returned to the Oceanic

Returning to the Océanic for the 2004–05 season, Crosby continued dominating the league, leading the league with 66 goals, 102 assists and 168 points over 62 games to capture his second consecutive Beliveau Trophy

2004: Rookie Scoring Lead

Throughout the 2004 NHL season, Crosby battled Alexander Ovechkin for the rookie scoring lead, finishing second to Ovechkin in points and losing to him for the Calder Memorial Trophy.

July 30, 2005: Drafted by Penguins

On July 30, 2005, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall in the NHL draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

September 2005: Crosby's jersey becomes top seller

From September 2005 to February 2008, Sidney Crosby's number 87 Pittsburgh Penguins jersey was the top seller on the NHL's website. It remained among the top-selling jerseys since his rookie season.

October 5, 2005: NHL Debut

On October 5, 2005, Sidney Crosby made his NHL debut against the New Jersey Devils, recording 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 of the Penguins.

2005: Memorial Cup Final and Various Awards

In 2005, Crosby and the Océanic lost the Memorial Cup Final and Crosby earned the Ed Chynoweth Trophy. He also prepared for the 2005 NHL entry draft.

2005: Memorial Cup Final and NHL Debut

In 2005, Sidney Crosby led his major junior club, the Rimouski Océanic, to the Memorial Cup final. Also in 2005-06 season, Crosby debuted in the NHL, recorded 102 points, and was runner-up for the Calder Memorial Trophy.

2005: Drafted First Overall by Pittsburgh Penguins

In 2005, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL entry draft. He was highly touted and nicknamed "Sid the Kid".

2005: Gold at World Junior Championships

In 2005, Sidney Crosby won a gold medal at the World Junior Championships representing Canada.

2005: Crosby joins Pittsburgh Penguins

In 2005, drafting Sidney Crosby helped to secure funding for a new arena and ended speculation that the franchise would relocate from Pittsburgh. His presence boosted attendance by 33%.

October 28, 2006: First NHL Hat-trick

On October 28, 2006, Crosby scored his first NHL hat-trick in an 8-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.

2006: Crosby competes in IIHF World Championship

In 2006, following his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby participated in the IIHF World Championship as an alternate captain for Canada. He led the tournament with eight goals and eight assists but Canada failed to medal, losing to Finland in the bronze medal game. Crosby was named the tournament's top forward and to the competition's all-star team.

May 31, 2007: Named Team Captain

On May 31, 2007, Sidney Crosby was named the team captain for Pittsburgh, making him the youngest team captain in NHL history at 19 years, 9 months, and 24 days.

June 2007: Awards Show

In June 2007, Crosby won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Lester B. Pearson Award, completing an off-season hat-trick in addition to his previously clinched Art Ross Trophy.

July 10, 2007: Contract Extension

On July 10, 2007, Crosby signed a five-year, $43.5 million contract extension with the Penguins, ensuring his stay through the 2012-13 season.

2007: Named Team Captain

In 2007, Sidney Crosby started the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins' captaincy, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2007: Crosby's jersey auctioned for Hurricane Katrina Relief

In 2007, Sidney Crosby's jersey from his third NHL game was the highest-selling NHL jersey in an auction for Hurricane Katrina relief, selling for $21,010. Also, Crosby's game-worn jersey from the first period of the 2007 All-Star Game earned the most money in an online auction to benefit Hockey Fights Cancer, selling for $47,520.

February 2008: Crosby's jersey remains top seller

From September 2005 to February 2008, Sidney Crosby's number 87 Pittsburgh Penguins jersey was the top seller on the NHL's website. It remained among the top-selling jerseys since his rookie season.

March 27, 2008: Returns After Injury

On March 27, 2008, Crosby returned from injury to help the Penguins defeat the New York Islanders 3-1.

October 18, 2008: Surpasses Benchmarks

On October 18, 2008, Crosby surpassed career benchmarks of 100 goals, 200 assists, and 300 points in a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

December 30, 2009: Crosby named to Canadian Olympic Roster

On December 30, 2009, Sidney Crosby was named to the Canadian Olympic roster as an alternate captain for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

2009: Stanley Cup Title

In 2009, Crosby won his first Stanley Cup title in seven games with the Penguins defeating the Detroit Red Wings.

2009: Crosby creates the Sidney Crosby Foundation

In 2009, Sidney Crosby created the Sidney Crosby Foundation, an organization committed to helping charities benefiting children.

2009: Mark Messier Leadership Award

In 2009, Sidney Crosby received the Mark Messier Leadership Award and won the Maurice Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal scorer.

May 29, 2010: Crosby signs endorsement deal 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: Start of 25-game point streak

On November 5, 2010, Sidney Crosby began a 25-game point streak against the Anaheim Ducks.

December 28, 2010: End of 25-game point streak

On December 28, 2010, Sidney Crosby's 25-game point streak ended against the New York Islanders.

2010: Crosby scores "Golden Goal" at 2010 Winter Olympics

At the 2010 Winter Olympics, Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the United States in the gold medal game. This goal, known as the "Golden Goal", is considered by some as "Canada's most iconic sports moment".

2010: Crosby declines invitation to join Canada at IIHF World Championship

Following the Pittsburgh Penguins' second-round elimination in the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs, Sidney Crosby declined an invitation to join Canada midway through the 2010 IIHF World Championship.

2010: Olympic Gold Medal

In 2010, Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the United States in the gold medal game at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, securing the gold medal for Canada.

2010: Runner-Up for the Art Ross Trophy

In 2010, Sidney Crosby was the runner-up for the Art Ross Trophy and was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy. He also received the Mark Messier Leadership Award and scored 51 goals, winning the Maurice Richard Trophy.

November 21, 2011: Return to play after concussion

On November 21, 2011, Sidney Crosby returned to play after missing time due to concussion-like symptoms, scoring two goals and two assists in a game against the New York Islanders.

March 15, 2012: Return to action after recurrence of concussion symptoms

On March 15, 2012, Sidney Crosby returned to action after experiencing a recurrence of concussion-like symptoms, recording two assists in a win against the New York Rangers.

June 28, 2012: Contract Extension with Penguins

On June 28, 2012, the Penguins announced that Sidney Crosby agreed to a 12-year, $104.4 million contract extension, keeping him in Pittsburgh through the 2024-25 NHL season.

2012: Contract Extension

On July 10, 2007, Crosby signed a five-year, $43.5 million contract extension with the Penguins, ensuring his stay through the 2012-13 season.

January 2013: Strong Start to Shortened Season

In January 2013, Sidney Crosby started the shortened NHL season strong, totaling 31 points in the first 21 games.

2013: Second Ted Lindsay Award

In 2013, Sidney Crosby won his second career Ted Lindsay Award and was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy.

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: Second Olympic Gold Medal

In 2014, Sidney Crosby captained Team Canada and won his second consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

2014: Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award

In 2014, Sidney Crosby finished the season with a league-high 104 points, winning the Art Ross Trophy for the second time in his career. He also went on to win the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award.

2014: Hart Memorial and Art Ross Trophies

In 2014, Sidney Crosby won the Hart Memorial Trophy and his second career Art Ross Trophy with 104 points, as well as his second consecutive and third overall Ted Lindsay Award.

2014: Crosby captains Canada to Olympic gold

Sidney Crosby was selected to represent Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics and was named team captain. Canada won gold, with Crosby contributing one goal and two assists. He scored his only goal in the final against Sweden.

April 1, 2015: 300th career NHL 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 head coach

On December 12, 2015, Mike Johnston was fired as head coach of the Penguins after posting a 15-10-3 record through 28 games. This occurred during a season where Crosby struggled to score points, leading some to speculate about a decline in his performance.

2015: Crosby captains Canada to World Championship title

In 2015, Sidney Crosby captained Canada to its first World Championship title since 2007, with the team winning all 10 games. Crosby, scoring four goals and seven assists, became the 26th member of the Triple Gold Club.

2015: Crosby signs endorsement contract with Adidas

In 2015, Sidney Crosby signed a six-year endorsement contract with Adidas.

2015: Crosby starts hockey school in Cole Harbour

In 2015, Sidney Crosby started a hockey school in Cole Harbour. His "Little Penguins Program" has provided free equipment and lessons to local youngsters in Pittsburgh.

September 2016: Crosby wins Emmy Award

In September 2016, Sidney Crosby won an Emmy Award for his role in There's No Place Like Home With Sidney Crosby and for his participation in the Merci Sidney video.

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September 2016: Wayne Gretzky praises Crosby

In September 2016, Wayne Gretzky stated that Sidney Crosby has consistently proven himself to be the best player in the game, especially in important matches.

October 2016: Mario Lemieux praises Crosby's complete game

In October 2016, Mario Lemieux commended Sidney Crosby for his ability to play both sides of the puck, noting significant improvement in his defensive skills.

2016: Crosby captains Canada to victory at 2016 World Cup of Hockey

In 2016, Hockey Canada appointed Sidney Crosby as captain for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. Crosby led the tournament in scoring with 10 points, helping Canada win the championship and was named the tournament's most valuable player.

2016: World Cup of Hockey Gold and MVP

In 2016, Sidney Crosby captained Canada to gold in the World Cup of Hockey and was elected MVP by unanimous vote.

2016: Stanley Cup Championship

In 2016, Sidney Crosby led Pittsburgh to a Stanley Cup championship, adding to his career achievements.

January 27, 2017: Crosby named one of the 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, Sidney Crosby registered an assist on a Chris Kunitz goal against the Winnipeg Jets to reach 1,000 NHL points in his 757th game, becoming the 12th-fastest (and 11th-youngest) player to reach that milestone.

2017: Consecutive Conn Smythe Trophies and Stanley Cup Championship

In 2017, Sidney Crosby led Pittsburgh to another Stanley Cup championship and became the third player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) in consecutive years.

2017: Second Richard Trophy and Named One of 100 Greatest NHL Players

In 2017, Sidney Crosby won his second Richard Trophy and was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history.

February 11, 2018: Crosby Scores 400th NHL Goal

On February 11, 2018, Sidney 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. The Penguins defeated the Blues 4–1.

March 2018: Crosby voted 'most difficult to play against'

In March 2018, an NHLPA poll of over 500 players voted Sidney Crosby as the "most difficult to play against, best role model, best team player, the player you'd want to win one game, and the player who would be a great coach upon retirement".

April 2018: Crosby's work ethic highlighted

In an April 2018 article for The Washington Post, teammates and coaches emphasized Sidney Crosby's strong work ethic and dedication to excellence as key factors in his enduring success in the NHL.

April 18, 2018: Crosby Becomes Penguins All-Time Playoff Points Leader

On April 18, 2018, during game 4 of the playoffs against the Philadelphia Flyers, Sidney Crosby passed Mario Lemieux as the Penguins' all-time playoff points leader with 173 points.

December 31, 2018: Crosby plays his 900th NHL game

On December 31, 2018, Sidney 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 Wins All-Star MVP Award

On January 3, 2019, Sidney Crosby was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game for the eighth time in his career. He scored four goals and four assists, helping the Metropolitan Division to victory, winning his first All-Star MVP award.

March 2019: Crosby described as the 'heartbeat' of the Penguins

In March 2019, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan described Sidney Crosby as the "best 200-foot player in the game" and the "heartbeat" of the Penguins.

March 2019: Crosby regarded as best all-around player by peers

In March 2019, an anonymous survey conducted by The Athletic showed that Sidney Crosby was regarded as the best all-around NHL player by his peers.

September 2019: Jersey Number Retired by Rimouski Océanic

In September 2019, the Rimouski Océanic retired jersey number 87 in Crosby's honor, and the QMJHL also retired the number for all its teams.

2019: Jersey Retired

In 2019, the Rimouski Océanic and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League retired Crosby's jersey number 87.

January 2020: Crosby selected to NHL All-Decade First Team

In January 2020, Sidney Crosby was selected to the NHL All-Decade First Team, recognizing his achievements and contributions to hockey over the past decade.

February 20, 2021: Crosby plays 1,000th game with the Penguins

On February 20, 2021, Sidney 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.

October 3, 2021: Crosby named to Canada's team for 2022 Winter Olympics

On October 3, 2021, Sidney Crosby was named to Canada's team for the 2022 Winter Olympics. However, he was unable to compete due to the NHL's decision not to attend as a result of the Omicron variant.

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. He became only the second Penguin to score 500 goals, the first being Mario Lemieux.

November 5, 2022: Crosby records 900th career assist

On November 5, 2022, Sidney Crosby recorded his 900th career assist on a goal scored by Jake Guentzel during a game against the Seattle Kraken, which the Penguins lost 3-2. He was the sixth-fastest player in NHL history to reach this milestone.

2022: Crosby called a 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 skates in his 1,200th game

On November 4, 2023, Sidney Crosby participated in his 1,200th NHL game, marking his 19th season in the league. During the game, he recorded an assist in a dominant 10-2 victory against the San Jose Sharks.

April 1, 2024: Crosby averages point per game for 19th consecutive season

On April 1, 2024, after a 5-2 victory over the New York Rangers, Sidney Crosby became only the second player in NHL history, after Wayne Gretzky, to average a point per game for 19 consecutive seasons.

June 28, 2024: Crosby selected to represent Team Canada in 4 Nations Face-Off

On June 28, 2024, Sidney Crosby was among the first six players chosen to represent Team Canada in the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.

September 16, 2024: Crosby signs two-year extension with Penguins

On September 16, 2024, Sidney Crosby extended his commitment to the Pittsburgh Penguins by signing a two-year contract extension worth $17.4 million, averaging $8.7 million per year.