History of Sidney Crosby in Timeline
Sidney Crosby is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Drafted first overall in 2005, he was highly touted and nicknamed "Sid the Kid." He's widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players ever.
1974: Bernie Parent won second consecutive Conn Smythe Trophy
In 2017, Crosby became only the third player after Bernie Parent (1974, 1975) and Mario Lemieux (1991, 1992) to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in consecutive years.
1975: Bernie Parent won second consecutive Conn Smythe Trophy
In 2017, Crosby became only the third player after Bernie Parent (1974, 1975) and Mario Lemieux (1991, 1992) to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in consecutive years.
1976: Reference to Darryl Sittler's Game
In 2003, after Crosby scored eight points, teammates gave him the nickname "Darryl", in reference to Darryl Sittler's ten-point NHL game in 1976.
1980: Youngest to Lead NHL in Scoring Since Gretzky
In 1980, Wayne Gretzky was the first teenager to lead the NHL in scoring, a feat that Crosby repeated in the 2006-2007 season.
1984: NHL Draft
In 1984, Sidney Crosby's father, Troy Crosby, was drafted 240th overall by the Montreal Canadiens.
1985: President's Cup Win
In 1985, Sidney Crosby's father, Troy Crosby, helped the Verdun Junior Canadiens win the President's Cup.
August 7, 1987: Sidney Crosby's Birth
On August 7, 1987, Sidney Crosby was born in the Grace Maternity Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Troy and Trina Crosby.
1991: Mario Lemieux won second consecutive Conn Smythe Trophy
In 2017, Crosby became only the third player after Bernie Parent (1974, 1975) and Mario Lemieux (1991, 1992) to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in consecutive years.
1992: First Final Since 1992
In 2008, the Penguins reached the final round for the first time since 1992, facing the Detroit Red Wings.
1992: Mario Lemieux won second consecutive Conn Smythe Trophy
In 2017, Crosby became only the third player after Bernie Parent (1974, 1975) and Mario Lemieux (1991, 1992) to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in consecutive years.
1997: Red Wings Repeat as Stanley Cup Champions
In 2017, the Penguins became the first team to repeat as Stanley Cup champions since the 1997-98 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: First Playoff Appearance
In 2001, the Penguins made their first playoff appearance since 2001.
2002: Air Canada Cup
In 2002, Sidney Crosby led Dartmouth to a second-place finish at the Air Canada Cup and was named MVP and Top Scorer.
2003: QMJHL Draft
In 2003, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall in the Midget Draft by the Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL.
July 17, 2004: WHA Entry Draft
On July 17, 2004, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall by Toronto in the World Hockey Association (WHA) entry draft.
2004: NHL Lockout
Due to the labour lockout that suspended the entire 2004-05 NHL season, positioning for the 2005 draft was conducted via a weighted lottery.
2004: Rookie Rivalry
In 2004, Alexander Ovechkin was the first overall pick. This marked the start of a rivalry with Crosby that would define the league for over a decade.
2004: Beliveau Trophy
In 2004, Crosby captured his second consecutive Beliveau Trophy, marking another milestone in his junior hockey career.
2004: Jersey Auctioned for Charity
In 2004, Sidney Crosby's white jersey from the World Junior tournament was auctioned to benefit youth hockey charities and 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake relief, eventually selling for $22,100.
July 30, 2005: Drafted into NHL
On July 30, 2005, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall in the NHL draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
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 made his NHL debut against the New Jersey Devils, recording an assist on the team's first goal of the season.
December 15, 2005: Michel Therrien New Coach
On December 15, 2005, Michel Therrien replaced Ed Olczyk as the head coach for the Penguins.
2005: Crosby Lives with Lemieux Family
From 2005 until 2010, Sidney Crosby lived with Mario Lemieux's family in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.
2005: Crosby's Rookie Season
In 2005, Sidney Crosby began his NHL career as a rookie. By December 16, 2015, he was widely regarded as the NHL's best player since his rookie season.
2005: Graduation
In 2005, Sidney Crosby graduated from Harrison Trimble High School in Moncton, New Brunswick, while playing for the Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL.
2005: Memorial Cup Final
In 2005, Sidney Crosby led his club, the Rimouski Océanic, to the Memorial Cup final, showcasing his early talent and leadership.
2005: President's Cup Win and Memorial Cup
In 2005, Sidney Crosby led the Rimouski Océanic to capture the President's Cup and qualify for the Memorial Cup, where they lost in the final, but he was named to the All-Star team.
2005: Drafted into the NHL
In 2005, Sidney Crosby was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL entry draft, marking the beginning of his NHL career.
2005: World Junior Championship Gold
In 2005, Sidney Crosby won gold at the World Junior Championships, marking an early international triumph.
2005: Crosby's Arrival Increases Attendance
In 2005, Sidney Crosby's presence helped Pittsburgh's attendance increase by 33%.
2005: First Repeat Champions in Salary Cap Era
In 2017, the Penguins became the first team to repeat as Stanley Cup champions since the 2005-06 season began with a salary cap.
2005: Mentor From 2005 to 2006
Mario Lemieux was Sidney Crosby's mentor from 2005 to 2006, during his rookie year.
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, Sidney Crosby scored his first NHL hat-trick in an 8–2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
2006: Mentor From 2005 to 2006
Mario Lemieux was Sidney Crosby's mentor from 2005 to 2006, during his rookie year.
January 2007: Mark Messier Leadership Award
In January 2007, Sidney Crosby received the Mark Messier Leadership Award.
May 31, 2007: Named Team Captain
On May 31, 2007, Sidney Crosby was named the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, becoming the youngest team captain in NHL history at 19 years, 9 months, and 24 days old.
June 2007: NHL Awards Hat-Trick
In June 2007, Sidney Crosby won the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Lester B. Pearson Award in addition to his Art Ross Trophy. He also became the youngest to be named to the NHL's first All-Star team.
July 10, 2007: Contract Extension
On July 10, 2007, Sidney Crosby signed a five-year, $43.5 million contract extension with the Penguins, securing his place with the team through the 2012-13 season.
2007: Team Captaincy
In 2007, Sidney Crosby started the season with the Pittsburgh Penguins' captaincy, marking a significant leadership role in his career.
2007: Contract Signing
In 2007, Sidney Crosby's contract signing reflected his birthdate, with a value of $8.7 million per year.
2007: Participated in first NHL All-Star Game since 2007
Sidney Crosby participated in his first NHL All-Star Game since 2007, winning the shooting accuracy segment of the Skills Competition.
January 18, 2008: Ankle Injury
On January 18, 2008, Sidney Crosby suffered a high ankle sprain during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, causing him to miss the All-Star Game and several other games.
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, Sidney Crosby returned to the Penguins' lineup after recovering from a high ankle sprain, helping the team defeat the New York Islanders 3-1.
October 18, 2008: 300 Career Points
On October 18, 2008, Sidney Crosby recorded one goal and three assists against the Toronto Maple Leafs, surpassing career milestones of 100 goals, 200 assists, and 300 points.
2008: Stanley Cup Finals Appearance
In 2008, Sidney Crosby led the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup Finals, though they were defeated by the Detroit Red Wings.
2009: Stanley Cup Victory
In 2009, Sidney Crosby and the Penguins defeated the Detroit Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup. Crosby became the youngest NHL captain to win the Stanley Cup since 1895.
2009: Sidney Crosby Foundation Created
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, recognizing his leadership qualities.
2009: Tied for Lead in Goals Scored
In the 2009-10 season, Sidney Crosby tied for the lead in goals scored.
2009: Healthy Productive Season
Sidney Crosby had a healthy and productive campaign in 2013-14, playing 80 games for the first time since the 2009-10 season.
May 2010: Crosby Purchases Home in Sewickley
In May 2010, Sidney Crosby purchased his own home in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, after living with Mario Lemieux's family.
May 29, 2010: Crosby Signs Endorsement Deal with Reebok
On May 29, 2010, it was announced that Sidney Crosby would sign the richest endorsement contract in NHL history with Reebok, expected to pay him $1.4 million per year.
July 27, 2010: First to Skate at Consol Energy Center
On July 27, 2010, Sidney Crosby joined Mario Lemieux as the first to skate on the new ice at the Consol Energy Center.
November 5, 2010: Point Streak Begins
On November 5, 2010, Sidney Crosby began a 25-game point streak against the Anaheim Ducks.
December 28, 2010: Point Streak Ends
On December 28, 2010, Sidney Crosby's 25-game point streak ended against the New York Islanders.
2010: Crosby's Olympic Stick and Glove Missing
Following Sidney Crosby's Olympic gold medal victory with Canada in 2010, his stick and glove were reported missing, prompting a reward offer before being found.
2010: Vancouver Olympics Gold
In 2010, Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the United States, securing a gold medal for Canada at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.
January 1, 2011: Concussion Injury
On January 1, 2011, during the 2011 NHL Winter Classic game against the Washington Capitals, Sidney Crosby sustained a hit to the head from Dave Steckel, leading to concussion symptoms.
January 3, 2011: All-Star Selection
On January 3, 2011, Sidney Crosby was selected as a 2011 All-Star, along with teammates Evgeni Malkin, Marc-André Fleury and Kris Letang; however, he was unable to participate due to injury.
November 21, 2011: Return from Concussion
On November 21, 2011, Sidney Crosby returned to the ice after recovering from concussion symptoms, scoring two goals and two assists in a game against the New York Islanders.
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, presenting a significant challenge in his career.
March 15, 2012: Return After Setback
On March 15, 2012, Sidney Crosby returned to action after experiencing a setback with concussion-like symptoms, recording two assists in a game against the New York Rangers.
June 28, 2012: Contract Extension
On June 28, 2012, Sidney Crosby agreed to a 12-year, $104.4 million contract extension with the Pittsburgh Penguins, ensuring his presence with the team through the 2024-25 season.
September 15, 2012: NHL Lockout Begins
On September 15, 2012, the NHL lockout began, leading to the postponement of the 2012-13 season. Sidney Crosby attended meetings during negotiations.
2012: Contract Secured Through 2012-13 Season
Sidney Crosby's contract extension on July 10, 2007, secured his place with the Penguins through the 2012-13 season.
January 6, 2013: NHL Lockout Ends
On January 6, 2013, the NHL lockout ended, paving the way for the start of the regular season on January 19.
January 2013: Strong Start After Lockout
In January 2013, after the lockout ended, Sidney Crosby had a strong start to the season, accumulating 31 points in the first 21 games.
2013: Last 100-point season before 2019
During the 2018-19 season, Crosby finished with 100 points (35 goals and 65 assists), marking the first time he reached the 100-point mark since scoring 104 points in 2013-14.
2013: Penguins Advance to Conference Finals
In 2013, the Penguins had not advanced to the conference finals since that year until Crosby helped them advance in 2016.
November 26, 2014: 800th Career Point
On November 26, 2014, Sidney Crosby reached his 800th career point against the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming the sixth-fastest player in NHL history to achieve this milestone.
2014: Hart Memorial Trophy
In 2014, Sidney Crosby again won the Hart Memorial Trophy as well as his second Art Ross Trophy, adding to his list of accomplishments.
2014: Sochi Olympics Gold
In 2014, Sidney Crosby captained Team Canada to his second consecutive Olympic gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
2014: Art Ross and Hart Memorial Trophies
In 2014, Sidney Crosby won the Art Ross Trophy with a league-high 104 points and was also awarded the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award.
2014: Sister Joins Northeastern Huskies
In 2014, Sidney Crosby's sister, Taylor, joined the Northeastern Huskies women's ice hockey team as a freshman at Northeastern University in Boston.
April 1, 2015: 300th Career Goal
On April 1, 2015, Sidney Crosby scored his 300th career NHL goal in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
December 12, 2015: Johnston fired as head coach
On December 12, 2015, Mike Johnston was fired as head coach after a 15-10-3 record through 28 games. Crosby and the team struggled to score points during Johnston's time as head coach.
2015: Crosby Signs with Adidas
In 2015, Sidney Crosby signed a six-year endorsement contract with Adidas.
2015: Crosby Starts Hockey School
In 2015, Sidney Crosby started a hockey school in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.
2015: Sister Transfers to St. Cloud State
In 2015, Sidney Crosby's sister, Taylor, 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."
September 2016: Wayne Gretzky Praises Crosby
In September 2016, Wayne Gretzky stated that Sidney Crosby had proven he is the best player in the game and has the biggest impact in the most important games.
October 2016: Mario Lemieux Praises Crosby's Complete Game
In October 2016, Mario Lemieux praised Sidney Crosby as a more complete player, noting his defensive improvements.
2016: Stanley Cup Championship
In 2016, Sidney Crosby led Pittsburgh to a Stanley Cup championship, marking a significant achievement in his career.
2016: Concussion at start of 2016-17 season
In 2016, Sidney Crosby missed the first six games of the 2016-17 season after being diagnosed with a concussion in practice.
2016: Penguins win Stanley Cup
In 2016, Sidney Crosby won his second Stanley Cup title with the Penguins, defeating the San Jose Sharks in six games. He was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs that year.
January 27, 2017: Crosby 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, Sidney Crosby reached 1,000 NHL points with an assist on a Chris Kunitz goal. He became the 12th-fastest player to reach the milestone.
June 2017: Crosby Voted Greatest Canadian Athlete of the 21st Century
In June 2017, Sidney Crosby was voted by Canadians as the greatest athlete of the 21st century in a survey conducted by Sportsnet.
2017: Crosby appeared in all 82 games
During the 2017-18 season, Crosby appeared in all 82 of Pittsburgh's regular season games for the first time in his career.
2017: Second Stanley Cup and Recognition
In 2017, Sidney Crosby led Pittsburgh to another Stanley Cup championship, won his second Richard Trophy, and was named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in history, solidifying his legacy.
2017: Sister Graduates from St. Cloud State
Sidney Crosby's sister Taylor graduated from St. Cloud State University at the end of the 2017-18 school year.
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.
March 2018: Crosby Voted "Most Difficult to Play Against" by NHLPA
In a March 2018 poll conducted by the NHLPA, Sidney Crosby was voted "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" by his peers.
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: Crosby's Work Ethic Highlighted
In an April 2018 article for The Washington Post, Sidney Crosby's work ethic and strive for greatness was highlighted by players, coaches, and teammates as a major factor in his lasting success.
December 31, 2018: Crosby plays 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
On January 3, 2019, Crosby was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game and won the All-Star MVP award, becoming the sixth in NHL history to have won that award after having won the Conn Smythe Trophy and Hart Memorial Trophy.
March 2019: Sullivan Calls Crosby 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 revealed that Sidney Crosby was regarded as the best all-around NHL player by his peers.
September 2019: Jersey Retirement
In September 2019, the Rimouski Océanic retired jersey number 87 in Crosby's honor, and the QMJHL also retired the number for all of its teams.
2019: Jersey Retired
In 2019, Sidney Crosby's jersey number 87 was retired by the Rimouski Océanic and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), honoring his contributions to the sport.
2019: Season before the Penguins were eliminated from playoffs
The Penguins finished fifth in the Eastern Conference in the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season before facing the 12th-seeded Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference qualifying round and getting upset.
January 2020: Crosby selected to NHL All-Decade First Team
In January 2020, Sidney Crosby was selected to the NHL All-Decade First Team.
August 7, 2020: Penguins eliminated from playoffs
On August 7, 2020, Sidney Crosby's 33rd birthday, the Montreal Canadiens upset the Penguins in four games, eliminating Pittsburgh from the playoffs.
2020: 2020-21 Season
In the pandemic-shortened 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, Sidney Crosby became the first player in Penguins history to play 1,000 games with the franchise.
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, becoming the 46th player in NHL history to reach this mark and the 18th to score all 500 goals for a single team. He joined Mario Lemieux as the second Penguin to reach this milestone.
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 in a game against the Seattle Kraken. He became the sixth-fastest player in NHL history to reach this milestone.
2022: Crosby 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 Skates in his 1,200th Game
On November 4, 2023, Sidney Crosby played in his 1,200th NHL game, marking a significant milestone in his career. He recorded an assist in the game, which resulted in a 10-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks.
April 1, 2024: Crosby Averages a Point Per Game for 19th Consecutive Season
On April 1, 2024, Sidney Crosby became only the second player in NHL history to average a point per game for 19 consecutive seasons, joining Wayne Gretzky. This accomplishment followed a 5-2 win over the New York Rangers.
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 selected 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 contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins by signing a two-year $17.4 million deal ($8.7 million average) to remain with the team.
2025: Sidney Crosby Trophy
In 2025, the QMJHL began presenting their Rookie of the Year award as the "Sidney Crosby Trophy", solidifying his legacy in junior hockey.
