Sidney Crosby is a hockey star and the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has earned $75 million in salary throughout his career. Crosby earns the majority of his money by playing in National Hockey League (NHL) games.
Crosby is 35 years old and still playing at an elite level. He signed a 12-year, $104.4 million contract on June 28, 2012. It pays him an average annual value of $8.7 million. His contract will expire following the 2024-25 season.
Sidney Crosby’s struggle as a junior hockey player
Crosby was born on August 7, 1987, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. His nickname amongst hockey fans is “Sid is Kid”.
Crosby worked hard to reach the NHL. His family sacrificed a lot to ensure his dreams came true. His parents missed out on mortgage payments and cut back on groceries to ensure they could pay for him to play hockey.
He first received media attention for his skills when he was seven years old. When Crosby was 13 years old, he was drafted by the Truro Bearcats of the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MJAHL).
He tried to play in a league with 15-17 year olds but was denied by Nova Scotia’s Minor Hockey Council. Crosby was the top scorer at the 2002 Air Canada Cup. He compiled 11 goals and 13 assists in seven games.
During an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Crosby recalled many instances in which opposing players attempted to injure him. He was also verbally abused by his parents.
Sidney Crosby’s NHL career
Sidney Crosby was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2005 NHL Draft. He has amassed 541 goals, and 928 assists in 1157 career NHL games.
Crosby has spent his entire career with the Penguins organization. He has won two Art Ross trophies, two Hart Memorial trophies, three Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophies, and three Stanley Cups.
At 18 years of age, Crosby was the youngest player to record 100 points in a single season. He also became the youngest player to win the Art Ross Trophy at age 19.
Aside from his NHL career, Crosby is also revered for his contributions on the international stage. Crosby has led Team Canada to two gold medals at the Winter Olympics. He scored the overtime winner in the gold medal game against the United States at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. It was coined the "Golden Goal" by Canadian hockey fans.