How Sidney Crosby Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Sidney Crosby across different fields.

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

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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: Jersey Number Retired

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

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."