History of Sidney Crosby in Timeline

Sidney Crosby, a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Drafted first overall by the Penguins in 2005, Crosby, nicknamed "Sid the Kid," was a highly touted prospect from Halifax. He is often referred to as "The Next One," highlighting his exceptional talent and impact on the sport.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1974: Conn Smythe Trophy Winner

In 1974 and 1975, Bernie Parent was the first player to win two consecutive Conn Smythe Trophies.

1975: Conn Smythe Trophy Winner

In 1975, Bernie Parent was the first player to win two consecutive Conn Smythe Trophies.

1976: Reference to Darryl Sittler's Game

After scoring eight points in his first exhibition game after being drafted by the Rimouski Océanic, Sidney Crosby's teammates nicknamed him "Darryl" in reference to Darryl Sittler's ten-point NHL game in 1976.

1980: Teenage Scoring Lead

In 1980, Wayne Gretzky was the last teenager to lead the NHL in scoring before Crosby achieved this feat in the 2006-2007 season.

1984: Father Drafted by Canadiens

In 1984, Sidney Crosby's father, Troy Crosby, was drafted 240th overall by the Montreal Canadiens but never played at the NHL level.

1985: Father's President's Cup Win

In 1985, Sidney Crosby's father, Troy Crosby, helped the Verdun Junior Canadiens win the President's Cup, which led them to the 1985 Memorial Cup.

August 7, 1987: Sidney Crosby's Birth

On August 7, 1987, Sidney Patrick Crosby was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is a Canadian professional ice hockey player celebrated as one of the greatest of all time.

1991: Conn Smythe Trophy Winner

In 1991 and 1992, Mario Lemieux won two consecutive Conn Smythe Trophies.

1992: Conn Smythe Trophy Winner

In 1992, Mario Lemieux won two consecutive Conn Smythe Trophies.

1992: Stanley Cup Finals

In 1992, the Penguins reached the final round before they faced the Detroit Red Wings.

1997: Stanley Cup Champions

In the 1997-1998 season, the penguins became the first team to repeat as Stanley Cup champions since the 1997–98 Detroit Red Wings.

2001: Drafted by Truro Bearcats

In 2001, Sidney Crosby was drafted by the Truro Bearcats in the MJAHL Draft as a 13-year-old.

2001: Playoff Appearance

In 2001, the Penguins made their first playoff appearance before Crosby helped the team return to the playoffs in his second NHL season.

2002: Shattuck-Saint Mary's

Due to harsh treatment from opposing players and verbal abuse from parents, Sidney Crosby elected to play for the American hockey program at Shattuck-Saint Mary's Boarding School, Minnesota for the 2002–03 hockey season.

2002: Air Canada Cup Finish

In 2002, Sidney Crosby led Dartmouth to a second-place finish at the Air Canada Cup, scoring 217 regular season and playoff points combined. He was named the MVP and Top Scorer at the national tournament.

2003: Drafted by Rimouski Océanic

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

July 17, 2004: Chosen by Toronto in WHA Draft

On July 17, 2004, the World Hockey Association (WHA) held an entry draft, and Toronto chose Sidney Crosby with the first overall selection.

2004: "Sidney Crosby Lottery"

Due to the labour lockout that suspended the entire 2004–05 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".

2004: Second Consecutive Beliveau Trophy

During the 2004–05 season, Sidney Crosby won his second consecutive Beliveau Trophy, leading the league with 66 goals, 102 assists, and 168 points for the Rimouski Océanic.

2004: Rookie of the Year

In 2004, Crosby battled Alexander Ovechkin for the rookie scoring lead and the Calder Memorial Trophy, ultimately losing to Ovechkin.

2004: Jersey Auctioned for Charity

In January 2005, Crosby's white jersey from the World Junior Hockey Championship was temporarily delisted from an auction, while the red jersey was missing in 2004. It eventually sold for CA$22,100, with proceeds going to youth hockey charities and 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake relief.

January 2005: Crosby's Jersey Stolen

In January 2005, during the World Junior Hockey Championship, an Air Canada baggage handler in Montreal stole Sidney Crosby's red Canada jersey, which was later recovered from a mailbox.

July 30, 2005: Drafted First Overall by the Penguins

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

September 2005: Crosby's Jersey 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.

October 5, 2005: NHL Debut

On October 5, 2005, Sidney Crosby, nicknamed "Sid the Kid", 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 Appointed Head Coach, Crosby Named Alternate Captain

On December 15, 2005, Michel Therrien replaced Ed Olczyk as the Penguins' head coach. The following day, Therrien named Crosby as an alternate captain, a move criticized by some hockey pundits.

2005: Crosby Lives with Lemieux's Family

From 2005 until 2010, Sidney Crosby lived with Mario Lemieux's family in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and was considered essentially the brother of Lemieux's son Austin.

2005: Memorial Cup

In 2005, Sidney Crosby and the Océanic won the President's Cup, qualifying for the Memorial Cup where they lost to the London Knights in the final, and Crosby was named to the Tournament All-Star team and captured the Ed Chynoweth Trophy.

2005: Crosby enters the NHL

In 2005, Sidney Crosby entered the NHL as a rookie and was widely regarded as the league's best player.

2005: Memorial Cup Final and NHL Debut

In 2005, Sidney Crosby led his club, the Rimouski Océanic, to the Memorial Cup final. He also debuted in the NHL during the 2005–06 season, recording 102 points.

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 had been considered one of the most lauded prospects in ice hockey history.

2005: World Junior Championships Gold

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

2005: Crosby's Impact on the Pittsburgh Penguins

In 2005, drafting Sidney Crosby, a generational talent, significantly changed the fortunes of the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins. His arrival helped secure funding for a new arena and ended speculation that the franchise would relocate. In 2005–06, Crosby's presence helped Pittsburgh's attendance increase by 33% and reinvigorated hockey in the Pittsburgh area.

2005: High School Graduation

In 2005, while playing for the Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL, Sidney Crosby graduated from Harrison Trimble High School in Moncton, New Brunswick.

June 2006: Crosby Buys First House

In June 2006, Sidney Crosby bought his first house on Grand Lake in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

October 28, 2006: First NHL Hat-trick

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

January 2007: Mark Messier Leadership Award

In January 2007, Sidney Crosby received the Mark Messier Leadership Award, during the award's first year when it was presented monthly.

May 31, 2007: Named Team Captain

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

June 2007: Awards Show Hat-Trick

In June 2007, Crosby won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Lester B. Pearson Award, in addition to his 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, committing to stay with the team through the 2012–13 season.

2007: Crosby's Jersey Auctioned for Hurricane Katrina Relief and Hockey Fights Cancer

During an online auction in 2007, held by the NHL and NHL Players Association to benefit Hockey Fights Cancer, Sidney Crosby's game-worn jersey from the first period of the All-Star Game earned the most money. Also, Crosby's jersey from his third NHL game was the highest-selling NHL jersey in an auction for Hurricane Katrina relief – it sold for $21,010.

2007: NHL All-Star Game Participation

In 2007, Crosby participated in his first NHL All-Star Game since 2007, winning the shooting accuracy segment of the Skills Competition.

2007: Named Team Captain

Sidney Crosby started the 2007–08 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins' captaincy.

2007: Contract Reflects Birthdate

Sidney Crosby's 2007 contract signing for $8.7 million per year reflects his birthdate (8/7/87).

January 18, 2008: High Ankle Sprain

On January 18, 2008, Crosby suffered a high ankle sprain in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, causing him to miss the 2008 All-Star Game.

February 2008: Crosby's Jersey 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.

March 27, 2008: Return from Injury

On March 27, 2008, Crosby returned to the Penguins' lineup, helping the team defeat the New York Islanders 3–1 after recovering from a high ankle sprain.

October 18, 2008: Career Benchmarks

On October 18, 2008, Sidney Crosby achieved milestones of 100 goals, 200 assists, and 300 points for his career against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

2008: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance

In 2008, Sidney Crosby led the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they were defeated by the Detroit Red Wings.

2009: Sidney Crosby Foundation Created

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

2009: Stanley Cup Win

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

2009: Mark Messier Leadership Award and Maurice Richard Trophy

In 2009–10, Sidney Crosby received the Mark Messier Leadership Award and won the Maurice Richard Trophy as the NHL's leading goal scorer with 51 goals.

May 2010: Crosby Purchases Home in Sewickley, Pennsylvania

In May 2010, Sidney Crosby purchased his own home in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. He had been living with Mario Lemieux's family in Sewickley from 2005 until 2010.

May 29, 2010: Crosby Signs 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.

July 27, 2010: Skating on the New Ice at Consol Energy Center

On July 27, 2010, Sidney Crosby joined his former mentor Mario Lemieux to be the first to skate on the new ice at the Consol Energy Center.

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 at the 2010 Winter Olympics

At the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Sidney Crosby played as captain and first-line centre for Canada. The coaching staff struggled to find line mates capable of keeping pace with him, so Crosby played with different line mates in almost every game during the 2010 Olympics.

2010: Crosby's Stick and Glove Missing After Olympic Victory

Following Sidney Crosby's Olympic gold medal victory with Canada in 2010, it was announced that his stick and glove were missing. Reebok Canada offered a reward of CA$10,000 for their return. The items were later found on March 10, 2010, with the stick in a shipment to Russia and the glove in a teammate's bag.

2010: Vancouver Olympics Gold Medal

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

2010: Hart Memorial Trophy Finalist

In 2010, Sidney Crosby was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy.

January 1, 2011: Hit to the Head in 2011 NHL Winter Classic

On January 1, 2011, Sidney Crosby suffered a hit to the head from Dave Steckel during the 2011 NHL Winter Classic against the Washington Capitals.

January 3, 2011: Selection for 2011 All-Star Game

On January 3, 2011, Sidney Crosby was selected as a 2011 All-Star, along with teammates Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury and Kris Letang.

November 21, 2011: Return to Play After Concussion

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

2011: Concussion Sidelines Crosby

In early 2011, Sidney Crosby sustained a concussion that sidelined him for the rest of the season and most of the 2011–12 campaign.

March 15, 2012: Return to Action after Concussion Symptoms

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

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 to stay in Pittsburgh through to the end of the 2024–25 NHL season.

September 15, 2012: Start of NHL Lockout

On September 15, 2012, the NHL lockout began, leading to the postponement of the 2012-13 season, Crosby was a regular attendee of meetings.

2012: Contract End

In 2012, Crosby's five-year, $43.5 million contract extension with the Penguins was near expiry.

January 6, 2013: End of NHL Lockout

On January 6, 2013, the NHL lockout ended, leading to the resumption of the season.

January 2013: Start of the 2012-13 NHL Season

In January 2013, the NHL regular season began, with Sidney Crosby setting the pace for scoring with 31 points in the first 21 games.

2013: Reaching 100-point mark

During the 2018-19 season, Crosby finished the season with 100 points the first time he has reached the 100-point mark since scoring 104 points in 2013–14.

2013: Crosby's Performance in 2013 Playoffs

In 2013, Crosby had a hot streak through March, scoring 25 points in 15 games. His regular season ended on March 30 due to injury, and he missed the final 12 games, finishing fourth in scoring.

2013: Conference Finals since 2013

In 2013, Crosby helped the Penguins advance to their first conference finals.

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.

2014: Crosby at the 2014 Winter Olympics

At the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Sidney Crosby continued to play as captain and first-line centre for Canada. Similar to the 2010 Olympics, the coaching staff faced challenges in finding consistent line mates for Crosby during the 2014 Olympics.

2014: Sochi Olympics Gold Medal

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

2014: Hart and Art Ross Trophies

In 2014, Sidney Crosby won the Hart Memorial Trophy and his second career Art Ross Trophy with 104 points.

2014: Taylor Crosby Joins Northeastern Huskies Hockey Team

In 2014, Sidney Crosby's younger sister, Taylor Crosby, joined the Northeastern Huskies women's ice hockey team as a freshman at Northeastern University in Boston.

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.

July 2015: Jonathan Quick Praises Crosby's Backhand Shot

In July 2015, Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, writing for The Players' Tribune, complimented Sidney Crosby for having the best backhand shot in the NHL. Quick highlighted Crosby's flat blade and forearm strength, enabling quick forehand-to-backhand transitions.

December 12, 2015: Johnston Fired

On December 12, 2015, Penguins coach Johnston was fired after posting a 15-10-3 record through 28 games. This occurred during a season where Crosby was struggling to score points.

2015: Crosby Signs with Adidas

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

2015: Crosby Starts Hockey School and Little Penguins Program

In 2015, Sidney Crosby started a hockey school in Cole Harbour. Also Crosby's "Little Penguins Program" has provided free equipment and lessons to more than ten thousand local youngsters in Pittsburgh.

2015: Taylor Crosby Transfers to St. Cloud State University

In 2015, Taylor Crosby, Sidney Crosby's younger sister, transferred to Minnesota's St. Cloud State University and played with the St. Cloud State Huskies women's ice hockey team.

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. He also won for his participation in the Merci Sidney video that followed his return to Rimouski for his QMJHL jersey retirement ceremony.

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September 2016: Gretzky Praises Crosby

In September 2016, Wayne Gretzky called Sidney Crosby the best player in the game, emphasizing his impact in important games.

October 2016: Lemieux Praises Crosby's Complete Game

In October 2016, Mario Lemieux lauded Sidney Crosby as a complete player, noting his defensive improvements over the past few years.

2016: Crosby's performance turn around and playoff run

In 2016, Crosby turned his season around under coach Mike Sullivan, leading to the Penguins clinching a playoff berth on April 2nd, where Crosby recorded his 600th NHL assist. He later helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy. He finished the 2015-2016 season with 36 goals, 49 assists and 85 points in 80 games.

2016: World Cup of Hockey Gold

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

2016: Stanley Cup Championship

In 2016, Sidney Crosby led Pittsburgh to another Stanley Cup championship and won the Conn Smythe Trophy.

2016: Concussion and return to the season

In the 2016 season, Crosby missed the first six games due to a concussion but returned to score 30 goals in his first 45 games.

January 27, 2017: 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, Crosby reached 1,000 NHL points with an assist on a Chris Kunitz goal against the Winnipeg Jets, becoming the 12th-fastest player to reach that milestone.

June 2017: Crosby Voted Greatest Athlete of the 21st Century by Canadians

In June 2017, Sidney Crosby was voted by Canadians as the greatest athlete of the 21st century in a survey conducted by Sportsnet.

2017: Consecutive Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy

In 2017, Sidney Crosby led Pittsburgh to another Stanley Cup championship and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in consecutive years.

2017: Second Richard Trophy and NHL Top 100 Selection

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

2017: Crosby appeared in all 82 of Pittsburgh'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, finishing with 29 goals and 60 assists for 89 points.

2017: Taylor Crosby Continues Hockey Career

Taylor Crosby, Sidney Crosby's younger sister, played with the St. Cloud State Huskies women's ice hockey team through to graduation at the end of the 2017–18 school year.

February 11, 2018: Crosby scores his 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.

March 2018: Crosby Voted Most Difficult to Play Against by NHLPA

In a poll conducted by the NHLPA in March 2018, Sidney Crosby was voted 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 Chosen as Nova Scotia's Best Athlete Ever

In April 2018, Sidney Crosby was chosen as Nova Scotia's "Best athlete ever" by the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame.

April 2018: Players and Coaches Highlight Crosby's Work Ethic

In an April 2018 article for The Washington Post, players, teammates, and coaches emphasized Sidney Crosby's work ethic and pursuit of greatness as a key factor in his success.

December 31, 2018: Crosby plays his 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 wins All-Star MVP award

On January 3, 2019, Crosby was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game for the eighth time and won the All-Star MVP award.

March 2019: Sullivan Calls Crosby Best 200-Foot Player

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 the best all-around NHL player by his peers.

September 2019: Rimouski Océanic Retired Jersey Number 87

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

2019: COVID-19 Pandemic

During the 2019-2020 season, the penguins finished fifth in the Eastern Conference in the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened season.

2019: Jersey Number Retired

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

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, the Montreal Canadiens eliminated the Penguins from the playoffs in four games.

2020: Crosby led team in scoring

In the 2020-2021 season, Crosby led the team in scoring with 62 points and received the team's MVP Award and the Players' Player Award.

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 500 goals and the 18th to have scored them all for a single team. He is the second Penguin to score 500 goals, after Lemieux.

November 5, 2022: Crosby Records 900th Career Assist

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

2022: Crosby as 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 plays his 1,200th game

On November 4, 2023, Sidney Crosby played in his 1,200th NHL game, marking his 19th season in the league. He recorded an assist in a 10–2 victory over the San Jose Sharks during this milestone game.

April 1, 2024: Crosby Averages Point Per Game for 19th Consecutive Season

On April 1, 2024, following a 5–2 win over the New York Rangers, Sidney Crosby became the second player in NHL history to average a point per game for the 19th consecutive season, a feat matched only by Wayne Gretzky.

June 28, 2024: Crosby Selected for 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. This marked the first international tournament with full NHL participation since 2016. Crosby was later named captain of the team.

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

On September 16, 2024, Sidney Crosby signed a two-year, $17.4 million extension to remain with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The average annual value of the contract is $8.7 million.