Sidney Crosby was drafted first overall in 2005 by the Pittsburgh Penguins. In his almost 20 years in the league, Crosby has certified himself as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.
The National Hockey League (NHL) was created in 1917, and then 88 years later Sidney Crosby was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins. When discussing hockey some names have cemented themselves in history such as Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe, Jaromír Jágr and the legend himself, Wayne Gretzky. Now, Sidney Crosby has added himself to that list.
To be in conversation with some of the all-time greats takes a lot of skill. When Crosby declared for the NHL draft it was dubbed the “Sidney Crosby Sweepstakes” as it was known Crosby would go first overall. Drafted freshly at 18 years of age, Crosby was nicknamed “Sid the Kid” and “The Next One,” a variation of Gretzky's nickname “The Great One.” In Crosby’s first game, he recorded his first assist. Crosby didn’t score his first goal until three days later against Boston. Although the Penguins did not have a great season in Crosby's first year, Crosby was runner-up to the Calder Trophy (the winner being rival Alex Ovechkin) and put up 102 points in 81 games, the youngest player to hit the 100-point mark.
After Crosby’s first season, the team went on a 16-season playoff streak, only ending during the 2022-2023 season. With Crosby, the team has appeared in four Stanley Cup finals, winning three of those four. Crosby also has won two Hart trophies, two Conn Smythe trophies, two Art Ross trophies and two Olympic gold medals for Team Canada.
While Crosby is known for his scoring, his leadership ability is also why he is one of the greats. At the prime age of 19 years and 297 days old, Crosby was named the 15th captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby is currently the longest-tenured current captain in the NHL. Crosby’s impact on the team is undeniably strong. Teammate Evengi Malkin, who has played with Crosby since 2006, once said, “Only for Pittsburgh, always with Sid.”
Now Crosby’s early seasons are some of the best rookie seasons in the NHL; however, his consistent play at his current age of 36 is what puts him with the greats. This season, Crosby recorded his 19th point per game season joining Wayne Gretzky as the only two players who have achieved that feat. Crosby then continued to make history this season by entering the top 10 all-time points list. He is the first player to enter the top 10 since Jaromír Jágr did so in 2008. And finally, this season Crosby recorded 1,000 assists, becoming only the 14th player to do this in NHL history and the 7th fastest.
As a new age of hockey is beginning, fans have affectionately named the latest draftee, Connor Bedard, “The Next Kid,” a play on Crosby's draft name. Crosby may not be “Sid the Kid” anymore, but still plays like he is.
Cassie is a sophomore studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
