Sidney Crosby expected to get he best birthday gift of his entire life

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Josh Tupper
August 6, 2024 (6:42 PM)

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Sidney Crosby expected to sign what could be his last NHL contract on his birthday.

Sidney Crosby, the Pittsburgh Penguins' captain and a future Hall of Famer, has been eligible to sign a contract extension since July 1st, and speculation about when he will sign has been mounting. Despite the delay, Penguins fans shouldn't be worried, as there is a strong possibility that Crosby will sign his contract extension on Wednesday, which also happens to be his 37th birthday.

Mark Madden of the "Madden Monday" podcast has predicted that Crosby will put pen to paper on his new deal tomorrow. His reasoning is tied to Crosby's well-known superstitious nature, as the date of August 7th (8/7) resonates with his iconic jersey number, 87.

"Many National Hockey League observers assume that Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will sign his contract extension this week. After all, the notoriously superstitious No. 87 has his 37th birthday coming up on Aug. 7 (8/7).

During this week's 'Madden Monday' podcast, Mark Madden of 105.9 The X and TribLive says that is exactly what he expects to happen," Tim Benz of Trib Live said.

Jason Mackey, another sports reporter in Pittsburgh, also shares the belief that Crosby will finalize his contract extension on Wednesday.

"The next concern I hear about this actually getting done will be the first. But at the same time, if this is the most recent Crosby column you've read by Thursday morning, we might have problems.

This all should come down to Wednesday � or Aug. 7, for anyone like me who can quote movies from 20 years ago but struggles to remember dates. That's also, as we all know, Crosby's birthday," Mackey said.

Later in his article, Mackey added,

"That's why I expect something to get done on Wednesday � the Penguins blasting out the extension on social media and the talk centered around the captain staying here, as he should."

You can read Mackey's full report [here](https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/jason-mackey/2024/08/05/penguins-sidney-crosby-contract-extension-nhl-free-agency-news-rumors/stories/202408050060).

Sidney Crosby, who hails from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, has spent his entire 19-year NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. As he prepares to enter his 20th season, the main point of interest regarding his pending contract extension will be its duration. Although he won't turn 38 until the new deal kicks in, Crosby has shown no signs of slowing down, having posted back-to-back 90+ point seasons. This continued high level of play suggests he could potentially remain a top performer for another four or five years.

Crosby's impact on the Penguins and the NHL is undeniable. Since being drafted first overall in 2005, he has led Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cup championships and earned numerous accolades, including two Hart Trophies as the league's MVP. His leadership, skill, and dedication have made him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh and a respected ambassador for the sport worldwide.

As the Penguins look to maintain their competitive edge, retaining Crosby is crucial for both the team and its fan base. His presence on the ice and in the locker room is invaluable, and his extension would ensure that the team continues to benefit from his experience and talent as they aim for further success.

Given the anticipation surrounding this contract extension, all eyes will be on the Penguins' social media channels on Wednesday for an official announcement. Crosby's commitment to staying in Pittsburgh aligns with his legacy and the city's deep connection to its hockey hero.

Fans eagerly await confirmation of Crosby's extension, hoping to see their captain lead the Penguins for several more years. With the signing likely to happen on his birthday, it would be a fitting celebration of his career and dedication to the team.

The hockey world is poised for this significant moment, marking another chapter in Sidney Crosby's storied career.

Source: Trib Live
Madden Monday: Expect a Sidney Crosby contract soon � but if it doesn't happen this week 'we can start wondering'