Kyle Dubas showers Sidney Crosby with high praise for making "tremendous personal sacrifice" after signing $17.4M extension

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Sidney Crosby to a two-year contract extension and general manager Kyle Dubas is full of praise for him. The contract is worth $17.4 million, which will consist of a $8.7 million AAV per year. It will start next season and run through 2026-27, when Crosby will be 40 years old.

This contract was signed after months of negotiation between both sides. Everyone had their eyes set on Crosby's future with the Penguins. Both have asserted their belief in each other.

Crosby has won three Stanley Cup with the Penguins and was set to be a top free agent next summer. The Penguins announced the news on X and wrote:

"THE CAPTAIN IS COMMITTED."

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas praised Crosby’s commitment to the franchise.

"There are no words to properly describe what Sidney Crosby means to the game of hockey, the city of Pittsburgh and the Penguins organization," Dubas said per NHL.com.

He described Crosby as an all-time great and asserted that Crosby’s decision shows his dedication.

"Sidney is the greatest player of his generation and one of the greatest players in the history of the game. His actions today show why he is one of hockey's greatest winners and leaders. Sid is making a tremendous personal sacrifice in an effort to help the Penguins win, both now and in the future, as he has done for his entire career," Dubas added.

Crosby has signed way below the market price for him, but it was expected since he is committed to the organization.

Sidney Crosby's opinion of continuing his NHL career with the Penguins

Sidney Crosby was present at the NHL North American Player Media Tour. There, he said that he wants to play for as long as possible.

“Right now, I feel really good. My body feels good. I have the same passion as I did when I came in the League to play, so hopefully, that’s something that can help me continue to play and play at a high level,” Crosby said per NHL.com

Crosby had a strong season last year with 94 points, including 42 goals and 52 assists. His aim is to help the Penguins make the playoffs again after missing out for two seasons.

“How I approach it isn’t going to change. I mean, I want to win every time I step onto the ice."

Drafted first overall by the Penguins in 2005, Sidney Crosby stands at the 10th position in the NHL's all-time list with 1,596 points. He is positive about helping the Penguins in their endeavors for the Stanley Cup.